Too many Kiama people are taking their own lives: Cr Matt Brown

Now he wants to do all he can to help his tight-knit community which has been rocked by a succession of recent suicides - some involving teens.

"It is just so devastating seeing people you know basically fall apart because they've lost a son," Cr Brown said.

"These people are working away hard in the community ... and then they have their life suddenly torn apart ..."

Back in 2018 Cr Brown praised the Kiama community's support after he told of his battle with substance abuse and depression, revealing the "black dog" had worsened in the years since his state political career "plummeted".

Read more: Silence and other suggestions, for a Kiama community grappling with suicide

This week he pushed back a heart procedure to Wednesday so he could attend the Kiama Council meeting on Tuesday night and urge his fellow councillors to show some leadership in dealing with the recent tragedies.

While his motion was amended slightly, Cr Brown is pushing ahead and encouraging the community to play a part in finding solutions.

"A lot of people want to do whatever they can to help. Just last Sunday a whole bunch of people got together in Gerringong and formed a group called Gezza Cares," he said.

"Some people wanted to tell their story of being a suicide survivor. Those stories were very powerful.

"Some people wanted to tell their stories how they could help. We heard of young people coming together to raise money. We heard of a group of guys who get together every morning at 6am to have a swim at South Berry."

Read more: Heartbroken Gerringong decorates the streets yellow as a sign of hope

Cr Brown also took the opportunity recently to join a group of guys from Kiama on The Man Walk.

"It's just a group of guys who go for a walk, and they tell you stories about their families, their relationships and other problems. It is quite moving and very helpful."

But the councillor knows there are a lot of people in the community who don't want to get out and walk and talk or go for a swim.

"There are introverts and we need to work out how we can reach those people who don't go and exercise and play sport," he said.

"We've got to try and make sure we reach everyone in the community because there is just too many people in Kiama at the moment who are taking their own lives."

If you need support contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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