Sunshine Coast dad’s death sparks calls for better mental health support

The tragic death of a Sunshine Coast dad-of-three has renewed calls for more awareness around mental health, as others double down on the federal government and plead for more funding for regional services.

Sam Platt, 33, took his own life on Christmas Day 2024.

The tragic death of a Sunshine Coast dad-of-three on Christmas Day has renewed calls for better regional mental health services.

Sunshine Coast father Sam Platt died by suicide on Christmas Day 2024, leaving behind his partner and three young children Alaina, Kayden and Riley.

The 33-year-old cabinet-maker was a keen dirt bike rider who enjoyed spending most of his time outdoors.

Mr Platt’s partner Meghan Cross said their family had suffered through the region’s housing crisis, living between family members’ properties in a caravan, which put enormous pressure on Mr Platt.

Ms Cross said she wanted the death of her partner to be a wake-up call for others struggling with mental health issues.

The GoFundMe statement created for Ms Cross to help raise funds for her partner’s funeral emphasized that help was available.

“If you or someone you know is experiencing these feelings, please reach out to a mental health professional or a support service,” it read.

Sam Platt, 33, took his own life on Christmas Day 2024.

ManKind Queensland enrolment manager John Davie said Mr Platt’s story was far too common as families struggled with the cost-of-living, homelessness and inadequate mental health services.

Mr Davie said he turned to the charity for support after being told it would take at least 10 weeks for him to secure an appointment with a counsellor or psychologist when he was experiencing mental health issues.

“When I tried to get help from a psychologist I was put off by the fact it was such a long wait, I was told I would have to wait about 10 weeks to gain that access,” Mr Davie.

From Mr Davie’s experience, the struggle is much harder for those living in regional areas.

Mr Platt’s partner Meghan Cross said more men needed to talk about mental health.

Mr Davie said securing funding for the service was an ongoing challenge, while urging governments to better support qualified counsellors and psychologists.

“We aren’t a counselling service and we aren’t an advisory service, we just help build connections with men and be there for men that are going through tough times in their life,” Mr Davie said.

“People are in dire straits and there just isn’t enough support or help to them out of that frame of mind.”

ManKind runs weekly support groups in Buderim.

Sunshine Coast federal MP Andrew Wallace said the death of Mr Platt highlighted a dire need for better mental health services on the Sunshine Coast.

“We must ensure that no family has to endure such heartbreak,” Mr Wallace said.

Sunshine Coast federal MP Andrew Wallace said the death of Sam Platt highlighted a dire need for better mental health services on the Sunshine Coast. Picture: Martin Ollman

“For eight years, I’ve fought for mental health services in Fisher, it is devastating to read about another life taken here on the coast.

“I’ve worked across the political aisle to shift the conversation on mental health and eating disorders.

“Including an Australian-first residential eating disorder facility and a PTSD research and treatment facility in collaboration with UniSC and the Thompson Institute.”

The incumbent Labor government is yet to respond to this publication’s request for comment regarding Australia’s regional mental health services.

If you or someone you love is in crisis or needs support right now, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636. If it is an emergency phone triple-0.

Originally published as Sunshine Coast dad’s death sparks calls for better mental health support