Former *The Voice Australia* winner Lachie Gill has released a new single dedicated to his late best friend, who died by suicide at the age of 16. The track, titled "Are You Okay?", is the lead song from Gill’s upcoming EP, *We Never Said Our Goodbyes*. The release coincides with World Suicide Prevention Day and R U OK? Day, underscoring the ongoing importance of mental health awareness in Australia, where approximately nine people die by suicide each day.

Gill, 28, shared that Justin, his childhood friend, was an integral part of his early years. Growing up in a close-knit neighborhood, they were inseparable, spending time playing football and riding their bikes together. “Justin was my best friend growing up. We lived a couple of streets away from each other and we played footy together and we ran amok on the streets,” Gill recalled. When Justin died by suicide, the two were just teenagers—Gill was 15 and Justin 16.

Reflecting on the tragedy, Gill explained that while Justin was dealing with personal challenges, including relationship difficulties, his friends did not fully grasp the severity of his struggles at the time. “We had no idea that was going through his head and that was something that could even be a possibility,” Gill said. The song delves into the feelings of helplessness and regret that come from lacking the knowledge or tools to recognize warning signs or provide support during youth.

The process of releasing such a deeply personal song has been emotionally taxing for Gill, but he acknowledged the importance of a strong support network. “I’m very grateful for the people around me—family and friends—who have been there throughout,” he said.

In a related effort to raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention, Lifeline is hosting its annual Out Of The Shadows walk, a 9-kilometer event aimed at honoring victims and supporting those affected by suicide. Participants like J.Mo from Confidential will join the walk to bring attention to the issue.

For those seeking help, several resources remain available, including Lifeline (131 114), Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636), and Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800).