Melissa Neal, the chief executive officer of the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network, was speaking after the region's first responders, mental health agencies, local government representatives, Department of Education and even Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack signed a formal "statement of commitment" aimed at providing a coordinated approach to suicide prevention and support for affected communities.

"When there is a suicide death in the community or a critical incident, there is a profound impact and that impact extends not only to families, but to friends, work colleagues and sometimes just through the community, so it is important that they are supported and have the right support available to them in really timely and co-ordinated way," Ms Neal said.

Superintendent Bob Noble from Wagga police said the development of a "communications and response protocol" document would be critical in providing a coordinated and timely response to communities impacted by suicide or other critical incident.

"There are many quality local initiatives to support mental health and suicide prevention, but coordination between agencies, schools, communities and first responders was not as coordinated as it could be," Superintendent Noble said.

"This protocol stipulates those coordination mechanisms between first responders and the mental health supports. What it means is those impacted, both the family and the wider local community are connected with appropriate mental health supports," he said.

The mental health and suicide prevention resources page is available here:

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency should call the Mental Health Line 1800 011 511, Lifeline 13 11 14 or call 000. Or to access the Head to Health website visit www.headtohealth.gov.au.