General News
14 September, 2023
Conversations can change lives
Around 30 community members joined local police for a three-and-a-half kilometre walk alongside the Yarriambiack Creek yesterday morning, in recognition of R U Ok? Day. Warracknabeal Police Sergeant Kylie Newell said it was a great turn out, with...
Around 30 community members joined local police for a three-and-a-half kilometre walk alongside the Yarriambiack Creek yesterday morning, in recognition of R U Ok? Day.
Warracknabeal Police Sergeant Kylie Newell said it was a great turn out, with beautiful weather.
“Thank you to everyone who participated,” she said.
“It was wonderful to see everyone.”
The walk was a good opportunity for people to get together and connect, and there was no pressure to complete the entire track.
Residents from Woodbine joined in for the last half of the journey, and more visitors arrived for morning tea back at the station.
Visitors were also treated to a look inside the back of the police wagon and the station’s holding cell.
R U Ok? Day, on the second Thursday of September, is Australia’s national day of action dedicated to reminding everyone to check in, make meaningful connections, and start a conversation with those who may be struggling by asking friends, family, neighbours and community members “are you ok?”.
It is also an opportunity to remind people that “it is ok to not be ok”, it is ok to ask for help or take the help being offered, and to share resources, information and advice.
This year’s theme, “I’m here to hear”, reinforces the fact that you don’t need qualifications to talk with someone about mental health, and that one conversation really could change someone’s life.
If you, or someone you know, is struggling, please call Lifeline 13 11 14, Beyond Blue 1300 22 46 36, or local team Rural Outreach Program 1300 688 732, or go to their websites and chat online.