Former NRL player and world title boxer Joe William spoke at Billy’s Gift suicide prevention service’s final event for World Suicide Prevention Week on Saturday at Tomakin Sports and Social Club. 

It was a fitting finale to “The Enemy Within” founders visit to the Eurobodalla. 

“I made a promise to myself, that every day, I will reach out and help someone else,” Mr Williams, who has battled bipolar disorder and depression, said.

“And that’s why I’m here. It isn’t easy – before I spoke at a high school this week, I was behind the curtains in tears.

“Those voices in your head can be so overwhelming.”

Mr Williams said everyone had a part to play in suicide prevention.

“Suicide prevention starts at home. You know when your best friend isn’t ok. You know when your mother, father, brother, sister, co-worker is having a bad day.

“Suicide prevention is having those conversations at the kitchen table. It’s checking in with the people around you.”

Dane Simpson, an Aboriginal comedian from Wagga Wagga, got the crowd laughing after the serious conversation.

Betty Connelly and Julie Irwin, of Connelly Irwin Counselling, set up the Moruya-based Billy’s Gift after the loss of Mrs Irwin’s teenage son, Billy, to suicide.

The service wants more professionally trained councellors working in the Eurobodalla region, and trains volunteers to provide one-on-one support and referrals.

Ms Connelly and Ms Irwin said they were rapt with Mr William’s visit.

“His story is so inspirational, and we have had such amazing feedback from students and teachers,” they said.

Anyone struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts should contact; Lifeline: 13 11 14 www.lifeline.org.au; Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au or  beyondblue: 1300 22 4636 www.beyondblue.org.au.