It's been four years since Bianca 'Bub' Picardi (22) died by suicide, but Sue Kohleis says her daughter would be over the moon that her memory still pays it forward.
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In the year after Bub's death, Ms Kohleis and family friend Tayla Pierce established the charity event 'Barrels for Bianca'.
The professional barrel racing competition is now a point-scorer towards the national titles of the Australian Barrel Horse Association.
Events are held in Corryong and Bub's hometown of Crookwell, with the latest held at the Corryong Show for the first time on October 5.
Ms Kohleis said the event, which is scheduled for Crookwell in 2020, is about bringing people together as well as raising awareness of mental health and depression.
"This event just couldn't happen without the donations and sponsorship from family and businesses in Crookwell, Goulburn, Laggan, and Binda, as well as the support from wonderful friends who attended Barrels For Bianca in Corryong," Ms Kohleis said.
Sponsorship raised at Barrels for Bianca is used for the community.
Earlier this year, proceeds raised refurbished a dedicated mental health room at Corryong Hospital.
Ms Kohleis admits she didn't understand depression before the death of her daughter.
"Bubby, when she came me to me, she said she had a broken heart, she said there's a big black cloud hanging over me... she said I didn't understand.
"We had this connection and I really miss her. I cannot believe she gave up on life. She was such a tough cookie. She was a carer.
"Sometimes we can only take so much pressure then something will ... break the camel's back."
Today, Ms Kohleis is a member and advocate of organisations such as Suicide Prevention, Headspace, Anglicare and Lifeline.
She is an advocate for learning about how to cope with mental health.
The Gatekeeper program run by Lifeline aims to give people the confidence and knowledge to notice and react when something is wrong.
Ms Kohleis would like to use the proceeds of Bub's estate for school programs that would encourage young children to treat their friends respectfully.
Nothing could bring Bub back, Ms Kohleis said, but "we have so much to learn from this".
"Suicide is so sad. The way I can deal with it is to leave a good footprint," she said.
"I can't emphasis enough: it's so easy to be kind."
Barrels For Bianca is about bringing people together, she said.
"Having this event really lifts me, it lifts us."
In 2018, there were 3046 deaths by suicide in Australia, according to statistics from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. This represents a three per cent reduction since the previous year.
Lifeline chairman John Brogden emphasises the importance of personal connection.
"While we take heart that fewer lives were lost in the past year, we remember that no life lost to suicide is acceptable," Mr Brogden said.
Human connection and communication were key to reducing the number of deaths by self-harm, he said.
"We need the whole of the community to help. We must never underestimate the power we all have to touch the heart of another person.
"We can't stress enough how important it is that we look out for each other.
"If you see behaviour change, if you think someone is struggling, if you know someone is experiencing difficulties, let them know you care.
"Make that connection, ask them how they're doing and if they aren't OK, get them to help or call Lifeline."
Crisis helplines
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
- Kids Helpline (for young people aged 5 to 25 years): 1800 55 1800
In an emergency
- Call 000 (Triple Zero)
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