Rev Dr Keith Garner, Superintendent of Wesley Mission, said: "Every day in Australia an average of five people complete suicide and 150 attempt suicide. That means there are many, many people in our society who are left deeply grieved and hurting when they lose a loved one. The LifeForce Memorial Day helps them realise that they are not alone in their pain."
TV personality, Jaynie Seal, led the service as the MC. Her usual role of weather presenter for National Nine News was exchanged for forecasting the way of life ahead for the more than 100 in attendance. Although seemingly bleak, there is hope ahead for a brighter future.
A popular addition this year was a Memorial Wall. This enabled those present to place a photo and a personalised message on display and share their feelings in fellowship with others going through similar experiences. The Memorial Wall panels will then be on display at LifeForce lectures and conferences associated with its suicide prevention meetings.
Messages of love and remembrance can also be posted to the online LifeForce Memorial Wall.
Testimonies were presented by Mark and Ellen Modra, with their daughter, and Thomas Rowe.
The Modras, lost their 17-year-old daughter, Hannah, who suicided in January, 2008. Their story was told on the ABC's An Australian Story ('The Girl Least Likely', September 15, 2008) and it went on to win the media award at Suicide Prevention Australia's 2009 LIFE Awards.
Thomas Rowe, lost his 14-year-old sister, Natalie, to suicide in February this year. Thomas has since launched a youth suicide prevention campaign called "Gravity" through a webpage on the social networking site, MySpace. The campaign, whose message is 'You're not alone, we all feel it', has received an overwhelming response.
Damien Leith (2006 Australian Idol winner) performed two songs, befitting the theme and aim of the service.
Dr Garner presented an address based on a message of hope to those gathered. Based on the Psalms, it made it clear it is OK to grieve and feel loss, but there is also the need to let go past feelings and move on. The Lord will provide such help, as we look to Him.
He encouraged those attending, who had lost a friend or family member through suicide, to have a feeling of "letting go" as they threw their sunflower into the waters of Sydney Harbour.
Paula Duncan, actress and LifeForce patron, conducted the traditional sunflower ceremony where people were invited to cast a sunflower into Sydney Harbour in memory of someone they have lost to suicide.
Chaplain Aileen Bigalke led in the closing prayer and benediction, prior to Mrs Carol Garner releasing a white dove – of peace.