Karen McColl appointed as Regional Suicide Prevention Coordinator

The 2022-23 Federal Budget included and investment of $43.2 million in targeted regional initiatives for suicide prevention (TRISP) across 2022-23 and 2023-24. This builds on lessons from the National Suicide Prevention Trial and expands activities across 31 PHN’s nationally. This aims to support the transition and learnings from the National Suicide Prevention Trial environment towards building the capacity of all PHN’s to implement evidence based, systems orientated, and community led approaches to suicide prevention across Australia. 

The funding supports the Regional Suicide Prevention Coordinator role in each PHN as well as additional investment in regional and community-based suicide prevention interventions.

Karen previously spent 4 years as the inaugural Adviser to the SA Office of the Premier’s Advocate for Suicide Prevention, supporting the work of the Premier’s Council on Suicide Prevention, whole of Government Issues Group on Suicide Prevention, and the 40 established Suicide Prevention Networks across SA.  

Karen was formerly an Adelaide Plains Councillor for 8 years serving also during that time as Deputy Mayor and established that regions Suicide Prevention Network.

Backed by a 20 year career in Senior Human Resource Management, she undertook a Diploma of Counselling and established her own Counselling & Consulting business and co-ordinated engagement programs such as an at-risk youth program for the Northern Region. 

Karen currently chairs the Suicide Prevention Australia SA/WA joint committee and is on the executive committee at her son’s football club as the Wellbeing Co-ordinator/Child Safety Officer.

Karen can be contacted on:    Email: kmccoll@countrysaphn.com.au or Phone: (08) 8565 8907