R U OK? arrive in Bourke for Conversation Convoy on the Historic Wharf with Redgum’s John Schumann

hello • 5 September 2017

R U OK? arrived in the Western NSW town of Bourke, yesterday for a concert at the Bourke Bowling club with former Redgum lead man John Schumann and friends.

In support of R U OK? and promoted by outback radio 2WEB, a signed guitar was raffled off at the end of the night in what can only be described as a phenomenal concert by the iconic performer.

$1000 was raised and will be donated to a local Bourke charity to support ongoing mental health support in the township.

Tuesday morning the R U OK? crew set up the Convoy in the historic Wharf area and hosted an event attended by over 100 people, including, police, paramedics, students from Bourke Public School, Bourke High School and a BBQ supported by Birrang and Bourke Council.

A moving welcome to country by Uncle Phil Sullivan set the tone for an event were people spoke about the need for genuine connection and heartfelt conversations.

Riverbank Frank (Doolan) wrote and read a poem about the R U OK? theme and the need for people both black and white, to stand side by side as brothers – especially during life’s struggles.

Kevin Humphries MP also reiterated the need for people in regional and remote townships to keep taking and checking in with each other.

R U OK? CEO Brendan Maher hosted Q&As with ambassador and former NRL player Daniel Conn and R U OK? supporter John Schumann.

Mayor of Bourke Barry Hollman welcomed the Convoy and shared an emotional story around the loss of his wife. He said it is an important thing for the community to check in and support one another during tough times and invited the suicide prevention charity back to the city next year.

The Convoy’s next event will be in Tamworth for a health play at the Tamworth Diggers Club, Wednesday September 6 at 7pm.

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

Media manager Lisa Minner: [email protected]

Nicole Warwick: [email protected] or 0412 934 643

Lizzy Thomas: [email protected] or 0400 922 919

Students reflect on meaningful connection through R U OK? National Student Art Competition

12 November 2025
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.
A montage of images of people in relationships

Why support matters when relationships end

30 October 2025
Relationships shape our lives so when any meaningful relationship ends, the loss can be deeply personal and painful. 

Announcement from the CEO, Katherine Newton

by Katherine Newton • 16 October 2025
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.
Show More