Tasmanian LiFE Awards – 2026 Nominee
Communities in Action for Suicide Prevention LiFE Award
The Communities in Action for Suicide Prevention LiFE Award acknowledges the crucial role that communities play in identifying and taking action towards suicide prevention. This award recognises any group or community, whether it’s a sports club, community group, or a hobby group, that works together to prevent suicide. This may involve developing a local plan for mental wellbeing and suicide prevention or organising activities that bring the community together to facilitate social connection and provide opportunities to discuss mental health and suicide prevention.
Exhale Choir
Exhale Community Choir began in Devonport in 2020, born from a need to reconnect after the long isolation of COVID-19. What started as an invitation to “just breathe and sing together” became a lifeline for many. Led by music therapist Alexandra Morse, the choir welcomes 50 members of all backgrounds, providing a safe place where individuals can rebuild confidence and find joy.
The group’s focus on mental health led to the development of a Community Action Plan for suicide prevention and wellbeing. This process sees choir members, mental health networks, and creative leaders identify actions that will have a lasting impact on the Devonport community.
Inhale, launched in 2025, is providing a safe space for women experiencing isolation or vulnerability to rediscover their voices and self-worth through group singing. Together, Exhale and Inhale embody the belief that community singing can nurture healing and hope.
Collaboration is at the heart of everything Exhale does. From its beginnings, the choir has grown through partnerships and generosity, including the Lifeway Baptist Church offering rehearsal space and support. Exhale has worked alongside organisations to create opportunities for people to participate in music and wellbeing activities.
A highlight of this collaboration is the ‘Big Sing’ in Devonport – a joyful community event uniting choirs from across the region. This partnership with renowned Australian artist Clare Bowditch showcased the healing power of music and invited new voices to join.
Exhale provides a space for people to rebuild confidence through shared music-making. As one participant reflected, “It’s the first time I’ve felt I truly belong somewhere.”
Proudly sponsored by Lifeline Tasmania
