Murray Bridge High School welcomes the Conversation Convoy

Students and teachers of Murray Bridge High School had a colourful start to their day as the Conversation Convoy rolled onto the Oval.

The local Rotary Club started the morning with ensuring bacon and egg rolls were plentiful whilst R U OK? activations were set up around the packed gym.

Students from Years 8 to 12 were welcomed to country by peer Declan Smith followed by Federal Member for Barker, Tony Pasin MP, who talked students through R U OK?’s four conversation steps: Ask, Listen, Encourage action, and Check in.

Member for Hammond, Adrian Pederick MP, encouraged the gathered students and teachers to invest more time in their loved ones, and to put down screens in order to make time for more meaningful conversations. Mayor of Murray Bridge Brenton Lewis said, “Giving is vital for communities, and giving a listening ear is something we can all do.”

Principal of Murray Bridge High School, Ruth Mussger, warmly welcomed the Convo Convoy crew and introduced local StandBy Coordinator, Tracey Wanganeen, who shared that help seeking, “is a strength not a weakness and that we all play a role in encouraging people to reach out and access support.” Ms. Wanganeen was joined by other local support services including headspace, Rural & Remote Mental Health, Anglicare and Silent Ripples.

Local R U OK? Ambassador Christopher Saville chatted with students as they moved through six activations including writing postcards for friends and loved ones, recording personal messages in the R U OK? conversation booth and connecting over games that encouraged asking, “Are you OK?” every day.

Special thanks to the teachers of Murray Bridge High School for their warm welcome and efforts.

The Conversation Convoy continues its journey with next stop: Darwin (Northern Territory).

Langtree Avenue Mall was awash with yellow as members of the local community greeted the Convo Convoy this morning.

The Mildura Lions Club set up the BBQ for a free sausage sizzle in in the main precinct alongside a cuppa corner, conversation both and free R U OK? Mateship Manuals.

Auntie Jeanine warmly welcomed the Convoy to country noting, “It’s the little things that make a big difference in this world, and a kind world and conversation is one of those.”

Mayor Mark Eckel greeted local residents by encouraging conversations with fellow regional Australians who are currently struggling with tough times.

The Convoy was joined by a number of local support services, demonstrating the diverse impact of such tough times on family and work lives. Representatives from Ramsey Health, Mallee Domestic Violence Service and Strengthening Hospital’s Response to Family Violence connected with locals by explaining the services available in Mildura.

Headspace Group and Activities Co-ordinator, Sandy Guthrie, spoke about the pressures young people can face, “like stress, study, family relationship issues and self-esteem.” Sandy encouraged everyone to reach out to the young people in their world.

Victoria Police representatives also joined the gathering providing an insight into the wellbeing challenges that staff face and serving as a reminder to those present that emergency service workers also need to be asked, “Are you OK?”.

Special thanks to Danielle Hobbs from Mildura City Heart and Melissa Kennelly from Ramsey Health for their efforts.

The Conversation Convoy continues its journey with next stop: Murray Bridge High School (South Australia)