The Conversation Convoy warms up Ulverstone and Devonport with cuppas and good conversation

The wet weather didn’t dampen the community spirit in Ulverstone this morning as the Conversation Convoy rolled into Ulverstone Showgrounds.

Kindly hosted by the Men’s Shed, Women’s Shed and Rotary, over 150 high school students and adults were treated to a free sausage sizzle and hot cups of tea as they were Welcomed to Country by Dave Gough through an exchange of a traditional greeting and clapping to get the morning started.

Local resident Lindsay Morgan was Master of Ceremonies, introducing Robert McKenzie to the grounds on behalf of Rotary, and Deputy Mayor Kathleen Downie greeted the crowd with words of advice to young people on the importance of looking out for friends. The Hon. Shane Broad MP acknowledged that it’s OK to admit if you’re not OK – at any age – and that at some point in our lives, we will all need to be asked the question.

R U OK? Ambassador Steve Bastoni shared his own experiences of asking, “Are you OK?” and talked through the four conversation steps, citing personal ways of expressing concerns and ways to get further support should a friend need it.

The Conversation Convoy then moved to Devonport as the rain and wind rolled in. The community met under the cover of the CMAX carpark where the Lions Club of Mersey Devonport greeted guests with hot food from their cheery blue caravan, and broadcast hosts Lee Dixon and Jess Bennett from CFM Breakfast Show took to the stage and airwaves.

Acting Mayor Annette Rockliff warmly welcomed the Convoy citing the heartbreaking rates of suicide in Tasmania and the need to spread the R U OK? message to all corners of Australia. Guest speaker Damien Collins from Devonport Community for Youth Family and Community Connections shared his personal and professional insights on the importance of connecting with others.

Local mental health support services such as SPEAK UP! Stay chatTY, StandBy (Lifeline), New Mornings, Salvation Army, Community Transport Service Tasmania, Mersey Community Care Association and Headspace came together at both events to provide welcomed resources and pathways for local professional support.

Special thanks to Roslyn Evenett, Local Suicide Prevention Coordinator, for her efforts.

The Conversation Convoy continues its journey with Mildura (Victoria) next stop.