Rockhampton rocks up for the Conversation Convoy

A diverse group of local residents and business representatives joined the Conversation Convoy stop in Rockhampton today.

Following a special event by John Schumann & Friends at the Great Western Hotel last night which saw 150 residents enjoy music and banter between band members, locals came along to the morning event to enjoy R U OK? hospitality and connections.

Wade Mann gave a welcome to country sharing local knowledge of the surrounding region, followed by Mayor Margaret Strelow who reminded people that, “Face to face conversations are important, we all play a role in looking after one another. Acknowledge the lives we live are much more complex. Be honest with each other, start a conversation.”

Jacob West, founder of ‘Soldiers United’ - a clothing line dedicated to raising awareness of mental health, took part in a short Q&A and described the ways in which he has found support during tough times, and how he always checks in with mates having sadly lost a number of close friends to suicide.

David Barber, Captain of Australia’s Paralympic soccer team ‘Pararoos’, shared his thoughts on mateship and how sport can a positive social connection for both mental and physical injuries, whilst Dominic Campbell from Emmaus State School represented his fellow students and shared what mental health and peer support meant to them.

Helping connect residents to professional support were representatives from NDIS, CQ Rural Health, Standby Suicide Prevention and Ice Support for Families.

Special thanks to Community Development Officer Bob Muir and the AFS Mens Shed for providing the sausage sizzle to go with the Twinings tea and Byron Bay cookies that were free to all those who joined the morning.

The Conversation Convoy continues its journey with next stop: Hervey Bay (Queensland).