Murrumbidgee Local Response Group

The Murrumbidgee Local Response Group, or LRG, is a partnership of local services working together to support people and communities impacted by suicide across the Murrumbidgee region. Led by Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network, the group provides a coordinated and compassionate response following a suspected death by suicide or a high-impact suicide attempt or self-harm incident.

The LRG was established to help ensure that individuals, families and communities are not left to navigate the aftermath of suicide alone. Its work is guided by the Murrumbidgee Suicide Postvention Communications and Response Protocol, which sets out how responses are coordinated, how support is activated, and how agencies work together to reduce distress and strengthen recovery.

Why the Local Response Group matters

Suicide can have a deep and lasting impact on family members, friends, colleagues, first responders, schools, workplaces and the broader community. A coordinated postvention response is important because it helps people access support early, reduces the risk of further harm, and strengthens the ability of communities to respond safely and compassionately. The LRG exists to help provide that coordinated local response when it is needed most.

What the Local Response Group does

When the LRG is notified of a suspected suicide or high-impact incident, MPHN’s Suicide Prevention Regional Response Coordinator gathers information, works with key stakeholders, and helps determine whether a formal response is needed. Where appropriate, the LRG brings relevant organisations together to coordinate support for impacted individuals and communities.

Support may include connecting families, carers, kin and communities with postvention services, coordinating outreach to schools, workplaces or community organisations, and helping ensure communication is safe, respectful and appropriate. Even where a formal response is not activated, the LRG can still help connect people to available supports.

A tailored and locally coordinated response

Every situation is different. The LRG uses an approach that is responsive to the specific needs, demographics and cultural considerations of each incident. This helps ensure support is timely, appropriate, culturally safe and grounded in local knowledge. Incident response meetings are generally organised within 24 to 48 hours when activation criteria are met, with additional stakeholders engaged as needed depending on the community and circumstances involved.

The LRG also recognises the importance of privacy, confidentiality and respectful engagement in all responses. This is especially important when supporting bereaved families and communities following a traumatic event.

Who is involved

The Murrumbidgee Local Response Group brings together representatives from Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network, Murrumbidgee Local Health District, NSW Ambulance, NSW Police and Wellways. Other stakeholders, such as schools, workplaces, community organisations and specialist services, may also be involved depending on the needs of the response.

MPHN is the organisational lead of the LRG and employs the Suicide Prevention Regional Response Coordinator, who acts as the central point of contact for notifications, coordination and communication.