General News
16 September, 2025
MDHS marks R U OK? Day
Locals were reminded to check in on each other, not just for R U OK? Day, but any other day of the year.
Residents may have seen a splash of yellow last week, on September 11, for the national initiative R U OK? Day.
It’s part of an annual reminder to reach out to others and start meaningful conversations around mental health.
It was a message shared through events across the community and one Maryborough District Health Service (MDHS) aimed to support.
The local health service’s team members participated in community activities which started the conversation on mental health and wellbeing.
From Maryborough Community House Chatty Cafe to a partnership with Highview College, MDHS CEO Nickola Allan said the events were a reminder to check in with others and ask for help.
“At MDHS, we’re proud to support activities that strengthen social connection and promote mental wellbeing across our communities,” she said.
“We thank our community partners, schools and all participants who helped bring these events to life.”
Events like those at Highview College connect with an age that’s leading the way in wellbeing conversations, data released by R U OK? revealed.
According to the suicide prevention charity, 94 percent of 16 to 24 year olds supported someone once in the past month while 57 percent have more regularly asked others if they’re okay over the previous year.
R U OK? community ambassador Kate Jones said she sees young people leading the way in how they care for each other.
“As someone who has spent nearly twenty years in education, and as a parent who has experienced the heartbreak of losing a son to suicide, I see how much is changing across generations,” she said.
“What I see now is a generation stepping into spaces that were once silent. Their willingness to ask the tough questions gives me real hope that the future will be safer and more connected.”
However, the data also showed a confidence gap, with some saying they might hesitate to ask because they’re concerned they’ll say something wrong.
R U OK? CEO Katherine Newton explained it’s common to see someone struggling, feel you should check in with them, but then hesitate.
“That hesitation is natural and something we can all experience, me included. But you can make a difference for someone who is struggling if you’re genuine when you reach out, and you really listen,” she said.
As the community look back on gatherings big and small last week Ms Allan reminds them checking in with others is important any day of the year.
“R U OK? Day is more than just one day, it’s a call to action that we should all carry throughout the year,” she said.
Lifeline provides free and confidential crisis support at any time of day or night. Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or chat online at: lifeline.org.au.
13YARN is a free 24/7 service offering crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Call 13YARN (13 92 76).