The Government has announced an extra $8 million in funding for suicide prevention during the next four years.
Associate Minister of Health Peter Dunne says many people at risk of suicide are not in contact with formal agencies or services.
He says the people who are in the best position to help are family, friends, neighbours and colleagues.
Mr Dunne says the new funding will help communities to develop their own solutions to suicide.
He says it's important communities know how to recognise someone at risk and how to respond.
A four year suicide prevention action plan is being developed this year.
