Rockhampton rocks up for the Conversation Convoy

hello • 30 August 2018






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).

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