MAYORAL MINUTE NO 12/2021
R U OK DAY 24 AUGUST 2021 Councillors,
Every day, nine Australians die by suicide. According to Lifeline, that’s more than the national daily road toll. This is an extremely worrying statistic, especially when we've entered into week nine of COVID-19 lockdown.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced on Friday, August 20 that lockdown would be extended until the end of September, which means more time spent away from family, friends, workmates and from school friends. It means more time away from work and for some of us – running a business that we've built from the ground up and earning an income.
And it’s more time away from doing the things we love.
As the pandemic continues to worsen and more of our days become disrupted, the more it can take a toll on our mental health. That’s why I’m encouraging everyone to reach out to their nearest and dearest and ask them this very important question: Are you OK?
This simple question could save a life.
The 12th anniversary of R U OK? Day will be celebrated on Thursday, September 9. The suicide prevention campaign was pioneered by the late Gavin Larkin who lost his beloved father Barry Larkin to suicide in 1995. The initiative was created to celebrate the life of Barry and to remove the negative stigma surrounding mental health. It was also created to prevent other families from going through the same pain and loss the Larkins endured after Barry's sudden passing.
This year's R U OK? theme is: 'Are they really OK? Ask them today'. It encourages you to really think about the people in your life and question how they are really going.
R U OK? has developed free resources to help schools, workplaces and the community to become involved in the campaign. The prevention charity also shares great tips on how to ask “are you OK?” in a meaningfully way, while also following COVID-19 regulations. One way is to host a digital event. Another way is to go for a walk and talk or create an online communication channel where you can regularly check in with others. In addition to this, you can also share information about this special day via email and with your social media network.
I encourage residents, businesses and organisations to support R U OK? Day. It's a tough time, but we must remain connected so that we can support one another through this unprecedented time.
Accordingly, I move:
MOTION:
This Mayoral Minute be received.
Dr Michelle Byrne Mayor
