Boat Harbour man Dave Sams is a “doer, not a talker” so he was “relieved” to have only earned the special recognition in Lifeline’s Hunter Central Coast Brass Blokes Award. Nominated for the top award were five men who had gathered at Foghouse Brewery, Newcastle, on Friday night.
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“I was humbled,” Mr Sams said, “I didn’t know what to say and I was just relieved that [Charles Webster] won it.”
Mr Sams joined Port Stephens Suicide Prevention Network after his son, Robert, took his life in 2003. He was instrumental in the creation of Solace Park in Boat Harbour. He is also a founding member and now coordinator of the Survivors of Suicide bereavement support group.
His latest project is installing of signage across Port Stephens to let people know how to access crisis support. Attached to the sides of bus shelters, there’s one going up at Heatherbrae this weekend followed by more at Tomago and Karuah.
“I was in awe [Friday night] being in a room with these guys who have all achieved great things,” Mr Sams said. “They’re so community minded. I’m hoping [my involvement] inspires people to do a bit, even if it’s volunteering for an hour.”
What left him more chuffed than the glass trophy and certificate was the mention of “TYCA”.
“I’m on about six different committees and they can’t mention them all but they did point to TYCA,” he said. “I was pretty pleased.”
The Tomaree Youth Community Association runs the snack’n’rap events at skate parks aimed at the 19-25 age bracket most as risk of suicide.
“That’s why we’ve also started putting out the bus shelter signs,” he said. “To get the word out there. Port Stephens is a bloody big place, when you start putting these signs up.”
It’s been a year for recognition.
Mr Sams in January received the Port Stephens Medal on Australia Day.
