6 minute read
Cor Infinitus: A Message of Hope and Help
By Andrew Sivijs
A simple message of hope and help. That is the genesis of Cor Infinitus—a term that translates to ‘Infinite Courage’ but simply means the love, strength and courage needed to speak one’s mind or to reveal your heart following a terrible loss. Cor Infinitus is a registered charity dedicated to Australians who served our nation but then, tragically, took their own lives.
It’s a silent crisis that resonated deeply with Kevin Humphreys DSC, Executive Director of Cor Infinitus. Kevin is an ex-Army Officer, rescue helicopter pilot and now mental health ambassador who spent 20 years flying Black Hawk and Chinook helicopters for the Australian Army. With the trauma of front-line experiences and highly dangerous and sometimes lifethreatening situations, came posttraumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety. Kevin has battled his own mental demons, stood on the precipice and almost ended his life.
On Anzac Day 2020, whilst at the Townsville Cenotaph quietly reflecting on his own life and those of generations before, there was a sudden realisation: “This is terrible—we can do better than this. Indeed, we must do better than this. Surely, Australians who have served and suffered and felt so terribly traumatised that they choose to take their life, deserve more? As do their families and friends”.
The ‘raison d’être’ for Cor Infinitus and the gentle passion Kevin exudes is simple.
“I wanted to provide dignity and respect to those that served our great nation and had taken their own life,” he explains.
“I wanted to establish a memorial not just for them but more importantly, to give their families and loved ones that same dignity and respect, as well as a tangible place of connection and reflection”.
Sadly, veterans are disproportionately affected by mental health issues and overrepresented in suicide records. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) observed in all five independent suicide monitoring reports that ex-serving ADF members are at a higher risk of death by suicide than the general population. AIHW also noted that after more than 20 years of fighting in Afghanistan, 46 Australians died through service, however, for a similar period between 1997-2020, more than 1,600 serving and exserving ADF personnel died by suicide.
The sheer magnitude of the mental health issues confronting veterans was recognised when on 8 July 2021, the Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), established the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. On 11 August 2022, the Commissioners delivered the ‘Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide Interim Report’ to the Governor-General with a series of recommendations about urgent and immediate issues to be addressed.
Around this time, Kevin commenced a journey to establish a memorial that was not representative of any person, era or circumstance but would be anonymous and inclusive. The first Cor Infinitus memorial was unveiled on World Suicide Prevention Day, 10 September 2020, in Townsville’s ANZAC Park. As Kevin describes it, “the memorial is not about glorifying a person’s final action and we must not shy away from talking about it because of fear. We must move forward with purpose to remove the shame and stigma surrounding suicide and mental illness”.
It soon became apparent that the memorial should be replicated around the country to serve a greater purpose. With persistence and determination, Kevin and Cor Infinitus have succeeded in erecting 14 unique memorials in a variety of locations such as Ashgrove in Queensland, Doyalson in New South Wales and Copper Coast, South Australia.
The memorials feature distinctive and sensitive symbols produced in watercolour to represent the compassion and care required for the families in such a tragic event. A gold infinity loop represents the sense that the individual was, and still is, valued by those around them. The mix of wattle and rosemary, the greens and golds, capture the Australian essence of resilience and spirit.
The memorials also list details of support agencies that may prove crucial to veterans and Australians who visit and are struggling with their own situation. Importantly, the memorials have received clinical oversight from recognised agencies such Open Arms, Mates4Mates and the North Queensland Primary Health Network to ensure they are as psychologically safe as possible.
On Monday 17 April 2023, the first Cor Infinitus memorial in Victoria was unveiled at the Shrine, adjacent to the peaceful Post–1945 Memorial. As Kevin aptly described to the audience, “when we walked the grounds looking for the right location to place the plaque, this tree was pointed out. To me, it was perfect. The tree is a native Australian eucalypt; young, strong and upright. To me it represents a beautiful metaphor”.
Kevin commented that “the Cor Infinitus memorial was made possible through the generous support of Melbourne Legacy and the Victorian Veteran Family Services Project”. He also expressed his “deep gratitude to the Trustees and staff of the Shrine for their patience and sensitivity, over many months, in making the service and memorial a reality”.
During the service and dedication Kevin observed, “the messages of hope are real words from real veteran families impacted by suicide. A parent, a partner, a child, a mate and someone who attempted but lived and is grateful that they are still here today”.
In keeping with the underlying message of Cor Infinitus and Kevin’s personal commitment, it’s important to recognise those troubled or struggling and convey a message of hope and love.
If you need support, please contact the following organisations:
Lifeline: 13 11 14, lifeline.org.au
Open Arms: 1800 011 046, openarms.gov.au
Safe Zone: 1800 142 072
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636, beyondblue.org.au
Suicide Call Back: 1300 659 467
Andrew Sivijs is Director Visitor Experience at the Shrine of Remembrance.
