R U OK? Conversation Convoy rolls in to Kalgoorlie for two events

THE mining town of Kalgoolie was the latest to host R U OK?’s Conversation Convoy. The Convoy consists of four yellow SUV’s along with Rural and Remote Mental Health who have collaborated to join the convoy.

The Evolution Mining Group had an early morning event where R U OK? CEO Brendan Maher spoke about the need for colleagues to check in and support each other particularly given the nature of Fly-in Fly-out work.

He also noted that 75 per cent of Australians who take their lives were men and reinforced the need to stay connected with family and friends given they were the people who generally acted as our support network when we were doing it tough.

“There are plenty of ways to keep our social circles tight, especially as we get older. Women seem to be a bit better at maintaining their connections than men,” he said.

“If we haven’t spoken to a mate in a while, we can normally go back to where we left off, but the longer we leave it, the harder it can be to make that call.”

“If you’re travelling in a car put your mate on speaker and have a chat, make an effort to keep those friendships active.”

“We often forget we have the resources within us to support a mate who might be struggling, these are our eyes, ears and mouths and being prepared to ask the question if we notice someone doesn’t seem their usual self.”

The second community event was held at Kingsbury Park where mental health support services turned out to showcase ways they can support their community.

Organisations participated like headspace, Mens Shed, Mates for Mates, Anglicare, RedCross, YMCA, Hope Community Services and Oasis Rec. Centre.

The Conversation Convoy will head off from Norseman Wednesday, Aug 16 and cover the Nullarbor Plain before arriving in South Australia

The Conversation Convoy finishes on R U OK?Day, 14 September in Cairns, Queensland, with ‘R U OK? Rocks Cairns’, a concert featuring some great Aussie talent and ambassadors such as Ben Lee and Travis Collins, to celebrate the end of their journey on R U OK?’s biggest day.

Head to www.ruok.org.au/conversation-convoy to track the journey or find a local event