31/01/2026
The Ceduna Community Wellbeing (CCW), formerly known as the Far West Su***de Prevention Network, has been recognised with Event of the Year at the District Council of Ceduna’s Australia Day 2026 Awards, in acknowledgment of its organisation of the 4th Roses in the Ocean activity, held in October 2025.
The Roses in the Ocean memorial walks and rose‑laying ceremonies, are designed to honour lives lost to su***de, support those with lived and living experience, and promote hope, connection, and open conversations about mental health. In Ceduna, the Roses in the Ocean activities have become meaningful annual events, offering a safe space for remembrance, reflection, and community solidarity.
The award was accepted on behalf of Ceduna Community Wellbeing by Glenn Dunn, the network’s Presiding Member, during the Australia Day ceremony held at the Ceduna Sailing Club. Despite the sweltering heat—already climbing into the high 30s by the time proceedings began at 8.00am—the celebrations continued, highlighting the strength and resilience of the Ceduna community.
The awards ceremony recognised CCW alongside four new Australian citizens, as well as recipients of Active Citizen of the Year and Citizen of the Year, reflecting a morning dedicated to community contribution, service, and connection. A shared breakfast, generously hosted by the District Council of Ceduna, followed the formal proceedings and provided an opportunity for award recipients and community members to come together in celebration.
In his address, Mr Dunn reflected on the origins and journey of Ceduna Community Wellbeing. He spoke about how the network began several years ago with the support of Wesley Mission, bringing together approximately 40 agencies and individuals who shared a common goal: to reduce su***de and strengthen wellbeing across the Far West Coast.
Over time, attendance at meetings declined, particularly as gatherings were held outside standard office hours. There were periods when participation dropped to as few as three or four people, a reality Mr Dunn described as disheartening and challenging. At times, the possibility of closing the network was seriously considered.
However, the encouragement and ongoing support of committed individuals—most notably the late Denise Karaginanis—ensured the network endured. Their belief in the importance of collective action for su***de prevention helped sustain CCW through its most difficult periods.
CCW Plans to organize three to four activities each year, focused on su***de awareness, prevention, and overall wellbeing. The Event of the Year award is a powerful recognition of the network’s persistence, collaboration, and impact, and serves as encouragement to continue this vital work.
As Mr Dunn noted, the success of CCW is not the result of one individual or organisation, but of a community that continues to show up—even in the heat, even when numbers are small—to care for one another. ***deprevention ***deawareness
