After the screening of the documentary there will be a discussion about the impact of suicide on survivors and those left behind, followed by supper.
Kyabram-born Freemason Anthony Quantrell, who spent 20 years living in the Western District of Victoria, returned to Kyabram five years ago and is the man behind bringing the documentary to town.
Quanny, as he is known, remains a member of the Rosebank Lodge at Beeac (near Colac), which he still attends at least once a month.
He saw the film two months ago when it was shown at a lodge meeting in Geelong.
“If showing this film saves one person we have done a good job,” he said.
“When we have been putting pamphlets up in shop windows we have had a bit of interaction with people, and the amount who have been affected by suicide is extraordinary.
“Several have shared their stories with us.”
Quanny said he was surprised by how many people had been touched by suicide, which had made him even more determined to fill the room with people and let people know the screening was happening.
“We can only fit 110 people into the hall, but I hope we fill it up,” he said.
Three stories are featured in the film, one of them directly related to a Freemason Foundation member, John Patterson.
“One of his brothers is the subject of the film. John, and another guest, will talk about his experience at the end of the film,” Quanny said.
Quanny described the documentary as “very moving’’, which led him to invite John (also from the Colac region) to attend Kyabram for the evening.
“I asked him if he would bring it up to Ky. Freemasonry does this sort of thing very well and we are always trying to get out in the community to help people,” he said.
“We are just a group of men that look after each other, families and the community.”
Quanny said people at the evening would be able to ask questions after the documentary.
The Kyabram lodge has more than 50 members, and along with its ongoing support of the Kyabram Community & Learning Centre, it also regularly helps children, families and the wider community.
The event is at 7.30pm on Wednesday, July 26 at 44 Church St (the Masonic Lodge) and bookings can be made at https://www.trybooking.com/CJLJU
