SHOALHAVEN pair Karen Murphy and Jonathan Goerlach have enjoyed plenty of success during their sporting careers, but they also both dealt with many hardships.
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So it came as no surprise that the duo was part of the 22 athletes unveiled by the Australian Institute of Sport as Lifeline community custodians for 2020-21.
All selected athletes are individuals who want to help increase awareness around suicide prevention and encourage anyone who needs support to reach out and ask for help - as Australia had 3,128 suicides in 2019.
"I first applied to be involved through Bowls Australia, as I thought it was a fantastic program and that it would be something I'd learn a lot from," former Shoalhaven Heads lawn bowler Karen Murphy, who is transitioning into a new stage in her life after announcing her retirement at the end of 2019, said.
"Unfortunately there is still a stigma around it [suicide], even though it's looked at completely different to when I was a kid - back then you were stereotyped, it was not as prevalent as it is today.
"It's important to create an environment people are comfortable opening up in.
"For example, right now with this coronavirus pandemic, I know a lot of bowlers are struggling, especially the older demographic, where the sport is a large part of their daily routine.
"It's important people surround themselves with people they can lean on and get the help they need, as everyone goes through tough times, myself included.
"When I missed out on the Commonwealth Games team for Delhi in 2010, I went through an awful time and I wish these support networks were in place then to educate people - I definitely learnt a lot about myself during that period.
"Thankfully for me, Steve Glasson came on as Australian coach and created a culture which allowed athletes to succeed in their own manner and guide them to be the best bowler they could be.
"Life is about how you react to challenges and I came out better for it, producing the best form on my career after 2010.
"No one ever learnt anything from a career of smooth sailing, it's all about being resilient when the chips are down and coming out the other end stronger."
Now in its second year, the program will see many athletes share their mental health experiences to reduce stigma around suicide and shape a more compassionate society - one that focuses on bringing people together and reducing isolation.
Joining Murphy and Nowra-born triathlete Goerlach - who are both former Bomaderry High School students - as custodians are Alexandra Viney (para-rowing), Amanda Bateman (rowing), Amber Merritt (para-basketball), Belle Brockhoff (snowboard-cross), Dane Bird-Smith (athletics), Erik Horrie (para-rowing), Georgia Wilson (hockey), Jenna O'Hea (basketball), Josh Di Nucci (gymnastics), Juliet Haslam (hockey), Kristy Harris (boxing), Lily Gresele (gymnastics), Louise Ellery (para-athletics), Matt Lewis (wheelchair rugby), Monique Murphy (para-swimming), Natasha Van Eldik (lawn bowls), Nathan Katz (judo), Rachael Lynch (hockey) and Caitlin Thwaites (netball).
"A number of the athletes involved have dealt with their own mental struggles and listening to their inspiring stories during our online training has been very moving - I can empathise with a lot of them," Murphy said.
"The training was very informative to which language to use and how to approach different situations, especially when acting as a counsellor - it was quite confronting as first but now I've gotten my head around it.
"As role models, our aim is to put them back on the right path, as the death rate is way too high - especially as a large majority of those are individuals that haven't reached out for help.
"Especially in today's world, I know a lot of people are really struggling in many facets, such as financially, job security, spending more time at home, not seeing friends and family and simply not being as active as you usually are.
"These are all factors that can weigh on an individual but when we do all get through this, I think we will have a greater appreciation on life as a whole and celebrate what's most important in our lives - which we may have taken for granted previously.
"For example, even though I've been doing my parents shopping each week to ensure they stay at home, I haven't been able to do something as simple as hug my mum.
"I've learnt heaps already and would love to continue being involved in this positive program for years to come."
The immediate focus for this year's custodian cohort will be lending their voices to Lifeline's first-ever national emergency appeal which is in direct response to the impact of COVID-19.
The campaign 'You've got 30 seconds to save a life' aims to raise $5 million to fill the funding gap caused by the cancellation of key fundraising events, storefront closures and increasing demand for services - as shown by Lifeline receiving more than 90,000 calls for help in March alone, the highest mark in the 57-year history.
Lifeline CEO Colin Seery said he was delighted that AIS athletes were willing to team up and work towards their vision of an Australia free of suicide.
"By working with Lifeline, you join a movement of more than 10,000 volunteers and 1,000 employees around the nation who are dedicated to providing hope through connection, so no person in Australia has to face their darkest moments alone," Seery said.
"Every life taken is a son, daughter, mother, father, brother or sister lost forever.
"Suicide does not discriminate - the devastating impacts can be felt in any home, school, workplace or neighbourhood."
To speak with someone immediately, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue 1300 224 636, MensLine 1300 789978, Kids Helpline 1800 551800, Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467, Veterans and Veterans' Families Counselling Service 1800 011 046