Tracksafe: The secret to work-mateship in the rail industry

Robyn Ward • 21 April 2016

21 April 2015 marks the second Rail R U OK?Day.

Secret to workmateship

This collaboration with TrackSAFE and its partners organisations enables us to do something truly remarkable.

It allows us to communicate directly to 110 thousand people across Australia and charge them with the responsibility of doing something that seems unremarkable but is possibly transformational.

It allows us to encourage rail workmates to start a conversation.

I won’t pretend to know what it’s like to work in the rail industry and be faced with the prospect of fatalities, trauma or accidents.

And when you add to that the rollercoaster that is life, I can only imagine that it can be pretty daunting.

But hearing the stories from your colleagues in the rail sector, I remain even more convinced that conversations do matter.

I remain even more convinced that regular, meaningful conversations can change our world.

Take this anecdote from former Queensland Rail worker Justin Geange, talking about his workmate Tom, as one example of proof:

“It was hard getting out of bed… I was putting on the mask… but it’s exhausting living a lie. But then there was this one particular day where Tom was really engaged and he really genuinely asked 'Are you ok mate? I can see you are doing it tough.' And it was that day, it was that straw that broke the camel’s back and I said, ‘I can’t do this anymore. I am going to be fair dinkum. I’m struggling.’ That was the first step for me.”

One of the questions that we’re frequently asked is: What do I do if they say “no”?

How do I act?

What do I say?

Our advice: Be you. Be the concerned workmate.

Don’t judge them; and re-assure yourself that you don’t need to fix it, or play the expert.

As Transit Officer Sue Jervis told us, workmates need to rely on each other.

And she had this to say about the importance of openness and respect in conversations:

“Because we work closely together, you know how the other person normally is, and can pick up when they’re acting differently. You can tell when your partner’s had a bad day. Sometimes it’s alright to leave them for a few minutes. But if it’s going to affect them for the rest of the day, you need to know. We rely on each other so much, especially when there’s an incident or stressful situation. You need to be able to ask each other ‘Are you ok?’ and let each other know if you’re not in the right headspace to deal with those incidents. Checking in can keep you both safe.”

This year, we made a real effort to find inspiring stories and testimonials of work-mateship.

It’s our hope that when you, your colleagues and your bosses appreciate that people just like you are already starting these conversations, it will make it easier for the reticent, the reluctant and the reclusive to reach out and start a conversation.

The stakes are high.

We know that the suicide rate is climbing in Australia.

It’s heart-breaking and something needs to change.

But today, on this second Rail R U OK?Day, I urge you not to look to governments, doctors and experts for answers.

I ask you to look to yourself and ask what can you do differently to give hope, and a sense of support and comfort, to a workmate having a rough day or a tough time.

The gift of time is a pretty wonderful gift; particularly when it’s accompanied by a listening ear; a determination not to judge; and a willingness to help someone explore what they can do differently to manage the load.

Today - and any day someone’s struggling - start a conversation that could change a life.

Campaign Director Rebecca Lewis, speaking at Sydney’s Central Rail Station.

To support Rail R U OK?Day, visit: http://tracksafefoundation.com.au/rail-ruok-day/

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.

2025 with R U OK?

11 December 2025
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.

Connecting generations through conversation and storytelling

10 December 2025
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.
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