Hervey Bay embraces the R U OK? Conversation Convoy in beautiful Scarness Park

Scarness Park was awash with yellow this afternoon, with the sounds of performers drawing a crowd to the waterside park.

Rotary Club Sunrise offered a free sausage sizzle while local community organisations welcomed residents and council representatives to the park. Flourish Australia, Red Cross, Relationships Australia, Mission Australia, My Health Record and other service providers talked with residents about the mental health and peer support services in the area, and gave out resources and freebies to take home.

Aunty Shirley Blake opened the formal proceedings with a welcome to country which included a minute silence to remember Elders who had passed. Deputy Mayor Darren Everard reminded residents that, “In rural areas, we need all the help we can get when it comes to encouraging our community to support and check in with each other.”

MP Keith Pitt representing the Division of Hinkler and Member for Hervey Bay Ted Sorensen shared their support of R U OK? noting that every day is the day to ask the question and encouraged a community that was committed to asking the question anytime it was needed.

R U OK? Ambassador Jacob Ridgeway got the crowd up and dancing as he reflected on music being his way to share stories and encouraged others to share theirs, especially in regional communities like Hervey Bay.

Local Invictus Games athlete, Daniel ‘Stix’ Parker, showed his support of R U OK? by participating in a moving Q&A. He described his depression as ‘hermit crab syndrome’ because, “I hid from everyone” he said. He shared that persistence and staying connected is important and to keep asking loved ones, “Are you OK?” even if those we care about are withdrawing. “A true friend will always be there and will listen” he said as he urged the youth of Hervey Bay to be true friends to each other.

Special guest R U OK? Ambassador, Luke Antony flew in from Sydney the morning of the event and performed a moving rendition of ‘True Colours’, for the crowd which included his mother and grandmother who’d travelled from Townsville to show their support. Luke explained how he stays connected even when separated from friends by distance. “I travel a lot but make sure I call my friends to check in, all the time” he said.

The afternoon concluded with colour and song courtesy of the choir and dance troupe of Xavier Catholic College who sang for the very first time live, the R U O K? song, ‘It’s OK!’ and another song titled ‘Cactus,’ which covered traits of resilience and acceptance of those who may be different.

Special thanks to Hervey Bay Council staff for their support and enthusiasm for the R U OK? Convo Convoy visit.

The Conversation Convoy continues its journey with next stop: Lismore (NSW).