Canberra connects with the Conversation Convoy
hello • 12 September 2018
Canberra’s residents joined politicians and R U OK? Ambassadors Barry Du Bois, Nick De La Hoyde, James Van Cooper and John Schumann to welcome the Conversation Convoy to the nation’s capital.
The Royal’s Rugby Club cooked up a free breakfast and the tea flowed as those gathered joined the call to notice subtle changes in a loved one’s behaviour, reach out and start a conversation.
Brendan Maher CEO R U OK? said,
"Life happens to all of us - someone dies, we lose a job, have a problem at work - and we're well placed to notice when these are affecting those around us."
Minister for Health Hon. Greg Hunt followed, emphasising the importance of starting the conversation and encouraging those who are struggling to seek help saying,
"Suicide and mental health can affect everyone. This Convoy is about saying it's OK to talk, it's OK to ask someone, Are you OK?, it's OK to seek help."
Long-term R U OK? Ambassador Barry Du Bois showed how powerful these conversations can be by sharing his own story of struggle.
"My wife knew that I was changing and kept saying 'Are you OK?' I'd always say, 'I'm fine' but when she got my friend to ask me that question, that's what started my recovery," said Barry.
Musicians James Van Cooper and Nick De La Hoyde entertained the crowd with moving performances including original songs that explored their own periods of hardship and the role that support played in getting them through those times.
Suicide prevention and mental health organisations present on the day included StandBy Support After Suicide, The Way Back Support Service , Relationships Australia, Mental Health Australia and batyr.
Special thanks to Royals Rugby Club for their support on the day.
• Tanya Hennessy, media personality
• Travis Collins, musician
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.
Relationships shape our lives so when any meaningful relationship ends, the loss can be deeply personal and painful.
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.
