Amber Lawrence & Travis Collin perform free concert in Margaret River in support of the local community

hello • 28 May 2018

Multi Golden Guitar and CMC Award Winners, Amber Lawrence & Travis Collins were scheduled to perform a ticketed show at the Settlers Tavern, Margaret River on Thursday 31 May , 9pm . However, in light of the recent tragedy and out of respect for the community, Amber, Travis and the Tavern will throw open the doors with free entry to encourage locals to join them for a night of uplifting, heartfelt music.


For many years, both Amber and Travis have worked with, and are ambassadors for charities who assist in the areas of mental health; Amber with RSLDefenceCare (the RSL arm assisting returning service men and women suffering from PTSD) and Travis with R U OK? (the national suicide prevention charity).


“When we heard what had happened in Margaret River, our hearts sank, not only for the family affected but also for the tight knit community around them and the shock and grief they must be going through. We want the locals to know that we’re there with them and they’re not alone. We thought that if we could lift their spirits in anyway possible, then this might be a way to do it,” said Travis and Amber.


The Settlers Tavern will provide the venue and associated costs of the show free of charge, as will other big-hearted folk, involved behind the scenes.

For anyone wanting to donate to R U OK? and other suicide prevention charities present on the night, the opportunity will be available, but certainly not required. As an extra, locals who buy artist merchandise on the night will see any profits made, split between the charities.


A representative from R U OK? and other local mental health service providers will be available on the night should anyone need a little extra support.


Anyone under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by an adult.


Amber and Travis are in WA as part of a 4-date tour taking in Margaret River (Thu 31 May), The Charles Hotel in Perth (Fri 1 June), Mullewa Muster & Rodeo (Sat 2 June) and Ravenswood Tavern (Sun 3 June). Neither artist is a stranger to WA, with Amber having played both the Perth Muster & Boyup Brook Country Music festival previously.


Travis Collins promises the crowd will be entertained with solo sets from each artist, performing their hits and some well known favourites, plus some fun dynamic collaborations between Amber and himself. “We are each other’s longest friend in the business, and we have a lot of fun on stage together”.

Caring for yourself and others following traumatic events

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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.

2025 with R U OK?

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This year, Australians continued to grow their confidence and capability to ask, 'are you OK?' any day of the year - reminding us how real connection and meaningful conversations can happen in the most ordinary, everyday moments. Across every age and stage of life, people helped normalise these important check-ins by looking out for one another, reducing stigma, and driving genuine change. Thanks to our supporters, awareness continues to expand in schools, workplaces, sporting clubs, and communities in every corner of Australia. Thank you to everyone who started conversations, and to everyone who supported the mission and work of R U OK?. Below is a short video which shares a glimpse of the activity made possible through collaboration. *Voice-over by former-CEO, Katherine Newton.

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