Tracksafe: Minding the conversation gap on Rail R U OK?Day

Robyn Ward • 9 April 2015

The Australian rail industry is taking a proactive approach to the emotional wellbeing of its 110,000 employees through the launch of a national campaign aimed at creating a better workplace for rail employees.

Minding the conversation gap

The inaugural Rail R U OK?Day on April 16 will see rail companies across Australia hold activities and provide opportunities for staff to engage in conversations about their emotional status by prompting them to answer one simple question: “Are you ok?”

The campaign is the result of a collaboration between R U OK? and the TrackSAFE Foundation and aims to give rail staff the confidence and capacity to talk about life’s ups and downs and help them feel safe and supported whilst at work.

“The rail network is a workplace; train drivers, guards, emergency services and other rail industry employees are the first people on the scene when incidents take place on the network and for them, severe mental, physical and emotional trauma can result from witnessing such an event,” said TrackSAFE Chairman Bob Herbert AM.

“Rail R U OK?Day supports our existing trauma management program and aims to increase awareness about the importance of looking out for each other in the workplace, which is crucial to an industry that is too often affected by suicide and the consequential trauma suffered by rail employees,” said Mr Herbert.

R U OK? Chairman Mike Connaghan said the partnership with TrackSAFE promotes an important message to a national industry, which will help to create a world where everyone is connected and protected from suicide.

“Rail R U OK?Day will see industry employers and employees foster an environment of support and encouragement, so that asking ‘are you ok?’ becomes standard practice,” said Mr Connaghan.

Research shows that a strong sense of community and trust between colleagues is crucial in workplaces where frontline employees experience higher exposure to trauma.

“We believe that this day of action will contribute to the reduction of trauma caused to train drivers and other rail employees and will empower people to help a workmate, whether it be on Rail R U OK?Day or any day,” he said.

The inaugural Rail R U OK?Day will be launched on 16 April 2015 at Central Station in Sydney by The Hon. Sussan Ley MP, Minister for Health and Chairman of TrackSAFE, Bob Herbert AM.

For more info visit: http://tracksafefoundation.com.au/rail-ruok-day/

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