Postvention planning

Helping to reduce the ongoing risk of suicide after an event

When a suicide or an attempted suicide occurs, it can deeply impact the people surrounding the affected individual. The impact of the event can increase the possibility that those impacted may also attempt to take their own life. This is sometimes referred to as suicide contagion. Postvention planning (creating a postvention plan) helps guide a community or organisation in their response to the suicide to help reduce this risk.

Murray PHN has developed a comprehensive suite of resources to support communities in planning and implementing effective postvention responses following a suicide. These resources are designed to guide local organisations, leaders and service providers in creating coordinated, compassionate and evidence-informed postvention plans that meet the needs of individuals and communities affected by suicide.

The materials were developed as part of the Targeted Regional Initiatives in Suicide Prevention program. They incorporate best practice approaches, practical tools and step-by-step guidance to help communities prepare for and respond to suicide in a way that promotes recovery, reduces risk of further harm and fosters long-term resilience.

We have created a generic template that organisations can download and customise to their needs:

The following is a list of current community postvention plans in the Murray PHN region, linked to the public document where available:

  • Northern Mallee Postvention Protocol
  • Loddon Postvention Protocol (in development)
  • Mount Alexander Postvention Protocol
  • Macedon Ranges Suicide and Sudden Death Protocol
  • Murrindindi Postvention Protocol (in development)
  • Rural City of Wangaratta Internal Postvention Protocol
  • Alpine Health Postvention Protocol (in development)
  • Albury/Wodonga Response Protocol
  • Corryong Health (in development).

Postvention resources

Responding to suicide in the workplace

Postvention plans for the community

Assisting First Nations Communities

Postvention planning for schools

Click here for more information on suicide prevention.

Support services

Last Update: June 17th, 2026

Murray PHN acknowledges its catchment crosses over many unceded First Nations Countries, following the Dhelkunya Yaluk (Healing River).

We pay our respects and give thanks to the Ancestors, Elders and Young people for their nurturing, protection and caregiving of these sacred lands and waterways, acknowledging their continuing cultural, spiritual and educational practices.

We are grateful for the sharing of Country and the renewal that Country gives us. We acknowledge and express our sorrow that this sharing has come at a personal, spiritual and cultural cost to the wellbeing of First Nations peoples. We commit to addressing the injustices of colonisation across our catchment, and to listening to the wisdom of First Nations communities who hold the knowledge to enable healing. We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.