R U OK? launches the Conversation Convoy in the heart of Australia

hello • 31 July 2017

Today R U OK? is launching the Conversation Convoy, a six week journey around Australia which kicks off in Uluru, aiming to give more people the confidence to support those who are struggling, whilst raising awareness of support services across the country.

The tour begins on 1 August and will cover 14,000 km visiting over 20 communities in regional, remote and metropolitan locations, finishing in Cairns on R U OK?Day, 14 September.

The Conversation Convoy will build on the question “are you ok?” by reinforcing the 4 Steps to a conversation, empowering Australians to ask, listen, encourage action and check in.

Thanks to the Audi Foundation, the four yellow SUV’s each represent one of the conversation steps and will roll into each location and be a major part of a series of community-based events. The activities will help people of any age, learn the steps in a fun and interactive way.

High profile ambassadors will be joining different legs of the trip including Ben Lee, Khan Porter, Commando Steve, Daniel Conn, Steven Oliver, Travis Collins and Jodhi Meares.

The Conversation Convoy initiative comes off the back of a recent national omnibus survey conducted by Colmar Brunton which revealed one in three people don’t feel comfortable asking the question, “are you ok?”

For those of us who don’t feel comfortable, the leading reasons include:

“I don’t know what to say”

“I wouldn’t want to make it worse”

“I’m worried they might get angry”

“I’m not an expert”

“It’s none of my business”

R U OK? CEO Brendan Maher said the results highlight the need to further empower those who aren’t comfortable asking someone who may be struggling and give people a road-map to start what could be a life-changing conversation.

“We sought expert advice to develop a four step strategy to guide people through a sometimes difficult conversation.


“We understand most Australians know what R U OK? is about, but we want to ensure that if someone says “no, I’m not ok,” people know what to do next.

“While offering support won’t always relieve someone’s distress, it is a great place to start. When conversations are too big for you and I, encouraging someone to seek professional help can sometimes be the difference between a hopeful path or a tragic one,” Maher said.

Psychologist and R U OK? advisor Rachel Clements agrees that these barriers to asking are normal fears but can be remedied by familiarising yourself with R U OK?’s four steps.

“We know that some conversations can be really tough. But in reality, you don’t have to be an expert to start a conversation – asking shows someone you care about them and that can make a really positive difference in their life,” Rachel said.

The Conversation Convoy launches in the spiritual heart of Australia, Uluru on 1 August and will head to most major cities across the country, with a strong focus on regional towns with the assistance of Rural & Remote Mental Health.

At most of the events, the suicide prevention organisation will gift a Conversation Corner (bench seat) as a legacy item, to encourage future conversations within the community.

The Conversation Convoy finishes on R U OK?Day, 14 September in Cairns, Queensland, with ‘R U OK? Rocks Cairns’, a concert featuring some great Aussie talent and ambassadors such as Ben Lee and Travis Collins, to celebrate the end of their journey on R U OK?’s biggest day.

Head to www.ruok.org.au/conversation-convoy to track the journey or find a local event.


For interview, image requests or survey results, please contact:

Lisa Minner: [email protected] or 0456 475 033





Nazik, in a yellow t shirt, at an R U OK? event.

Connection helped Nazik adapt to a new life - now she's giving back

18 March 2026
With Harmony Week highlighting the importance of belonging, Nazik’s story of overcoming adversity shows how connection can shape a life.

Connecting generations through conversation and storytelling

3 February 2026
From growing up on farms to a shared interest in history, Australians, young and old, are discovering just how much they have in common, and how storytelling can connect generations in unexpected ways. What’s bringing them together is 'Heart and Soul Story', a social enterprise that fosters intergenerational connections. Through its programs, young people and older generations come together in aged care homes and schools to share stories, build life skills, and prevent loneliness. At a recent session which encouraged everyone to Ask R U OK? Any Day, students visited an aged-care community with R U OK? Conversation Bingo cards, which feature prompts to spark humour, curiosity, and connection.

Caring for yourself and others following traumatic events

14 December 2025
The recent incident in Sydney has left many feeling distressed and overwhelmed, and you may notice the children in your life are struggling too. Below, you’ll find advice from mental health experts on caring for your own wellbeing, and providing meaningful support to others in the days and weeks ahead. Talking to children about traumatic events Children are likely to have seen and heard distressing information about this incident. Ongoing news coverage, images and discussion can intensify feelings of anxiety, sadness and anger. The Child Mind Institute has published a practical guide to help parents and carers talk with children about traumatic events. The guide offers practical age-specific advice and has been developed by experts in child psychology, you can access this guide here . Events involving violence or serious harm can be especially difficult for children to understand or discuss. The guide focuses on helping children feel safe, supported and reassured, and encourages parents, carers or guardians to: Provide comfort and reassurance, including physical affection Remain calm and measured when discussing the event Maintain regular routines to restore a sense of normality Encourage play, connection and time with others Share honest, age-appropriate information from trusted sources Limit children’s exposure to news, especially younger children Listen patiently and validate children’s feelings Recognise that fear, anger, sadness or guilt are all normal reactions Looking after yourself, and supporting others Rachel Clements, R U OK? Advisor, and Director of Psychological Services at Centre for Corporate Health, said strong emotional reactions are normal and healthy for people of all ages following public acts of violence, even among those not directly impacted. “Some reactions that are incredibly normal are concern, shock, horror, disbelief. When that wears off sometimes, people experience stronger feelings, sometimes anger, despair, sadness, anxiety or fear-based behaviour."  Ms Clements advised that connecting with friends, sporting clubs, or workplace networks, and simply asking ‘are you OK?’, can play a key role in supporting people experiencing distress. "This event will disrupt the nervous system. One of the most important things we can do is stay connected, talk to each other and lean into supportive conversations,” Ms Clements said. She suggested starting a genuine conversation by asking questions such as: 'it's been tough watching this information coming to light, how are you feeling about it?’ “Then, all you’ve got to do is listen with empathy, without judgment or interruption, and just allow someone to talk about their experience and how they are feeling. When it is the right time in the conversation, you can then gently guide someone towards supportive actions, like doing some gentle exercise, staying connected with friends and family, or maintaining regular routines.” Ms Clements emphasised the importance of checking in again to ensure people have continued support. If you notice someone’s distress is ongoing for several weeks and begins to affect their work or social life, professional help should be encouraged. If you or the children in your care are experiencing ongoing distress, consider speaking with a doctor or another trusted healthcare provider. Free and professional 24/7counselling services are available, find contact details here . If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 000. Ask R U OK? Any Day.
Show More