After hearing that an average of eight Australians every day lost their lives to suicide, Mrs Guinery was determined to make a difference.

She spent the next three years travelling Australia, photographing and interviewing “a bunch of Aussies who say ‘enough is enough’ when it comes to suicide,” she said.

The completed book – Room to Breathe – features “politicians, athletes, everyday people of different ages and backgrounds, sharing how they recognise the signs of stress in their life, and the strategies they use to survive and thrive,” she said.

It is intended as a resource for people who may be struggling with mental health challenges.

Mrs Guinery wasn’t content with just creating the book – Ulladulla publisher Guillotine Press has agreed to donate one copy of the book to institutions - including hospitals, prisons and refuges –  for every 20 sold.

Mrs Guinery humorously acknowledged the key role friends and family played in bringing the project to completion.

“There are no lone rangers in life – if there were, who would they get to chink glasses with?

“My hubby, Step, is the wind beneath my wings. My five kids, their partners and nine grandkids all champion me recklessly.

“Also, I wouldn’t get far without the love of my tribe of got-your-back girlfriends from many towns around Australia,” she said.

Room to Breathe will be released on Saturday, September 23, prior to National Mental Health Week.

The official launch will be held at the Olive Tree cafe on Beach Road, Batemans Bay from 3pm to 5pm.​

Anyone struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts should contact: 

Lifeline: 13 11 14 www.lifeline.org.au; Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au or  beyondblue: 1300 22 4636 www.beyondblue.org.au.