Bunbury is a small town, and it was not hard to hear lovely things said about Carlee McFeeters, a 19-year-old woman who recently took her own life.
She was an eager gymnastics coach at the Police and Citizens. She was happy and bright at work the night before. There was no sign.
On Sunday a scene of surpassing tenderness and grace unfolded on Back Beach as more than a hundred people made their way to the water, many with flowers in hand, to pay tribute and to be together.
Call it a sign if you like but the clouds parted and the rays of the setting sun illuminated what seemed to be a town united in grief. So many people, and so young.
Carlee’s father, Craig McFeeters, spoke to the Mail of the family’s reaction.
“I never realised it was possible to be overwhelmed when you’re overwhelmed,” he said, “But the singing, the music, the DJ, the food – all of this was provided by the community and local businesses. It’s meant so much.”
Mr McFeeters gave the Mail the family’s approval to publish photographs taken by coincidence that day, sharing our hope that a picture of grief might possibly change a life.
The ceremony occurred as the South West Alcohol and Drug Service prepares to announce an appointment to the position of South West suicide prevention coordinator, a post which is part of the first phase of a $3.5 million initiative to promote suicide prevention and increase community resilience and ability to respond to suicide.
SW Alcohol and Drug Service manager John Farr suggested to the Mail the announcement would be timed to coincide with R U OK Day on Thursday September 8.
Mental health minister Andrea Mitchell had said the positions fulfil actions identified as part of the government’s Suicide Prevention 2020 Strategy.
Suicide, the leading cause of premature mortality in Australia, increased from 10.9 deaths per 100,000 people in 2013 to 12 deaths per 100,000 in 2014.
The funeral of Ms McFeeters will take place on Friday at 11am, William Barrett & Sons arranging.
Support is available: call Lifeline (131 114), beyondblue (1300 22 46 36), or Kids Helpline (1800 551 800).