Turning family tragedy into hope at Brewarrina

In memory of his brother, David ‘Birdy’ Simpson, Edward Simpson is hitting the road hoping to provide a better future for his community. Photo: Birdy’s Brothers United

Story: Kristin Murdockkmurdock@outbackradio.com.au

The loss of his brother to suicide sent Edward Simpson into some of the darkest years of his own life.

Now, following David ‘Birdy’ Simpson’s death at the age of 29 in 2022, Edward is using his experience to encourage others in Brewarrina to get active, connect with their community and find support.

In the aftermath of his family’s tragedy, Edward and his family established Birdy Brothers United, initially as a memorial football team, with its first event associated with the Goodooga Nines.

Last Sunday, they launched its new “Watch Out for Mates – Miles for Minds” initiative on Sunday 16 August, where community members came along to walk, jog or run from the Brewarrina Showground to the Four-Mile Reserve.

The weekly event will continue each Sunday until late November, getting people moving together forming part of a much bigger conversation about mental health, suicide, drugs, and alcohol.

“We’re doing all this in honour of our late brother David Simpson,” he said.

Edward said in the early days after his brother’s suicide, his own grief played out behind the scenes, as he struggled with drugs and alcohol. Eventually, Edward reached a point where he knew something had to change.

“I thought, bugger, I’ve got to break this habit. I’ve got to get off these drugs and the alcohol,” he said.

“I was running out of options. I’ve been to hell and back, losing my brother. I wanted to get sober for my sons and for my community,” he said.

Joining the Barwon Run Club proved an important step.

Edward said encouragement from other runners helped him discover a strength he had not realised he had.

“Those guys helped me magnificently. They just keep pushing me, encouraging me to come out, and those little words of encouragement really helped me find my inner strength,” he said. “I felt like I could take on those types of mentor roles.” […]

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