R U OK? roll in to Dubbo with Conversation Convoy

The event was held at the Rotunda in Macquarie street and attracted a crowd of around 100 people who were keen to hear about the R U OK? message.

The event was hosted by headspace Dubbo and emceed by suicideologist Ann-Maree Hartley

Having travelled over 12000kms in around a month, R U OK? CEO Brendan Maher said he was thrilled to be back in the regional city on a perfect spring day.

Local personality, Riverbank Frank gave a moving Welcome to Country and recited a poem for onlookers.

Local MP and Minister for Police and Emergency services Troy Grant spoke about the importance of starting conversations in regional and remote communities as a way of addressing the increasing rate of suicide in Australia.

“Organisations like R U OK? and other mental health services, like the ones here today, provide accessible resources to help anyone who might be struggling.”

R U OK? ambassador Daniel Conn participated in a Q&A with R U OK? CEO Brendan Maher. Conn is a former Dubbo resident and since retiring from the NRL has devoted himself to fitness and wellbeing with a focus on mental health.

Jake Gablonski, also an R U OK? ambassador now based in Canberra, spoke about the importance of checking in with mates and loved ones on a regular basis.

The Convoy will continue its journey west, heading to the township of Bourke in Western NSW for a concert featuring R U OK? supporter John Schumann of Redgum and will host an event supported by 2WEB on Tuesday September 5 at the Historic Wharf.

For more information on the Conversation Convoy’s route and event locations please contact:

Media manager Lisa Minner: [email protected]

Nicole Warwick: [email protected]

Lizzy Thomas: [email protected]