AFL NSW/ACT asks leagues R U OK? this August
hello • 22 July 2019
| R U OK? is delighted to welcome the support of AFL NSW/ACT for an inaugural R U OK? round. |
| To be played on 03-04 August by AFL NSW/ACT’s 14 managed leagues in New South Wales and ACT, the round is across the state and territory is a first for AFL NSW/ACT running a simultaneous initiative across all leagues in one weekend. Former Sydney Swans player Tom Derickx has welcomed the partnership and hopes it will inspire and empower the AFL community to meaningfully connect with people around them. Having made the successful transition from professional AFL player to musician, now vocalist and guitarist of his band KAYEX, Tom has seen the pressures faced by colleagues across a variety of sectors and knows life’s ups and downs do not discriminate. “I want the AFL community not be afraid or embarrassed to reach out and start the conversation with someone they feel might be struggling with life, there is no shame in asking for health.” said Derickx. “I believe vulnerability is a huge sign of strength and partnerships such as this offer a real opportunity to break down the stigma associated with how we talk about life’s ups and downs.” AFL NSW/ACT CEO Sam Graham said the leagues are excited to show a united front in relation to the conversation around positive peer support. “We are excited to have R U OK? on board as our mental health partner and are looking forward to R U OK? Round in early August,” said Graham. “The R U OK? Round looks to encourage clubs around the state and territory to get involved in the conversation surrounding mental health. “Our leagues and clubs provide great environments and supportive frameworks, where mateship and loyalty are at the core of our game. “The R U OK? Round will open even more avenues for awareness for mental health, and challenge everyone within our game to make sure that they ask that important question – are you ok?” CEO of R U OK? Katherine Newton said she is also looking forward to raising awareness of across the 14 leagues. "We're thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with AFL NSW/ACT and spread the R U OK? message through its vibrant community," Newton said "We know that both playing in a team and supporting a team can provide a sense of belonging. Not only for those playing but also for those in non-playing roles. "We want AFL NSW/ACT staff, players and fans to look out for each other on and off the field and trust their gut when they notice the signs that someone might be struggling with life." R U OK? and AFL NSW/ACT are encouraging all participants and clubs to get involved in supporting R U OK? round this coming August. Find out more on the AFL NSW/ACT website at: http://aflnswact.com.au/r-u-ok-round-announcement/ |
Collages of life’s joys, portraits of loved ones, cultural celebrations, and reflections on the barriers to connection - the Creative Legends and Finalists of the R U OK? National Art Competition expressed creativity, vulnerability and individuality through their incredible artwork.
Relationships shape our lives so when any meaningful relationship ends, the loss can be deeply personal and painful.
After ten years of teamwork, partnerships, growth, and countless conversations, I will be stepping down as CEO from 1 December 2025. It has been an extraordinary privilege to contribute to the growth of this movement and to witness meaningful change before my eyes. Gavin Larkin founded R U OK? because he believed conversation has the power to change lives. One seemingly simple question, when asked with genuine intent and care, can start a meaningful and sometimes complex conversation. And that’s what Gavin wanted. For people to look beyond responses of “I’m fine” or “All good” and ask, “Are you really OK?”. The notion of going deeper with conversations, of asking a second time, of trusting our guts and moving past our hesitation - is being grasped and moving beyond one day to any day. Whilst saying “G’day how are you?” will always be a greeting - we can do more. When Gavin lost his father to suicide he wanted to try and protect other families from the pain his endured. He wanted to get people talking and having real chats about how they’re feeling with their mates, their family and their colleagues. In locker rooms, lunch rooms, and lounge rooms across the nation. But he approached it from a different angle. Gavin wanted all of us to have the confidence to support the people we care about who might be struggling with life. To make conversations a natural part of our behaviour, to openly show our signals of support. So as R U OK? generations continue to evolve, my chapter is coming to a close. How fortunate I am to have been part of the story. From hesitant glances during presentations in 2015 to queues of people waiting for a conversation in 2025. From yellow wigs in the office, to welcoming yellow-swathed Ambassadors to share their lived experience. From yellow coffee cups in a café, to yellow cars driving into communities nationwide. And yes, there’s been a few cupcakes along the way. Social change is happening, and we are all a part of it. No one organisation can prevent suicide, no one individual can save everyone - but the power of many can make a difference.
