National RU OK? Day

SUDOKU

This is our national day of action when Australians are reminded that every day is the day to ask, “Are you OK? I'm here to hear.” This is a conversation that could change a life.

R U OK? has conducted research that underscores the impact that a genuine conversation can have on someone who is struggling with life.

The research found more than four in ﬁve people who engaged in a meaningful conversation felt better about managing their situation having talked it through and felt supported, heard, and safe during the conversation.

However, the research also found that when asked if they were OK, two in ﬁve people (38%) who said they were OK actually were not OK. These respondents told us that important factors to encourage an honest conversation are:

• TRUST: They need to know the person they speak to is someone they trust, and this is usually someone they are close to.

• AUTHENTICY: They want to know the person asking them genuinely wants to hear their answer.

• ENVIRONMENT: People prefer to have these conversations in a private space with enough time to share what they want to say.

Even though it’s two months out from the R U OK? Day the R U

Public Notice

Please see advertisement adjacent for details. Registrations must be received by close of business on 10 August 2023.

OK? organisation calls on Australians to let the people they care about know that they are ‘here to hear’, every day of the year.

Katherine Newton, R U OK? CEO says “You need to ask this question because you mean it. If you really care and want to hear an honest answer, be genuine when you ask, make space to listen and let the person know you’re sticking around for whatever comes next.”

“Asking, ‘are you OK?’ in a genuine manner is so important to the outcome,” said Mr Gagliardi who when struggling with the physical impact of an ongoing chronic back injury didn’t realise the mental toll it was having on him until a friend spotted the signs that he might need support.

“I didn't really know that I was going to answer ‘no’ (I wasn’t OK) at that point in time, but he sensed I was struggling, that something wasn't quite right and asked me if I was OK,” said Mr

Gagliardi. “Due to our relationship, there was a high level of trust and respect.”

“It is about just being there, being able to listen, you're not trying to ﬁx the problem, that's not the role,” he said. “It was that non-judgmental, really active listening, just letting me vent, letting me let go of everything that I was thinking and worried about.”

Mr Gagliardi’s experience reinforces the need to show genuine interest and concern when you ask someone, ‘are you OK?’ to encourage a meaningful conversation.

“Positive experiences revolve around feeling heard, validated, and receiving empathy,” said Ms Newton.

“By making the time and space for an R U OK? conversation and listening with an open mind, we can help the people in our world feel supported and, if needed, encourage them to access professional support long before they are in crisis.”

Let the people in your world know you’re here, to really hear, because a conversation could change a life!

by Donna Portland

Unlocking Bombo Quarry: Aboriginal Archaeological Baseline Assessment Invitation to Register an Interest

Artefact Heritage on behalf of Transport Asset Holding Entity of New South Wales (TAHE) and Boral (the landowners) is undertaking an Aboriginal Archaeological Baseline Assessment of the Bombo Quarry Precinct. The applicants are exploring opportunities to rehabilitate the Bombo Quarry Precinct to inform future uses. The Precinct, located within the Kiama Local Government Area, comprises approximately 105 hectares of land located approximately two kilometres north of the Kiama township. The TAHE site remains an active ballast quarry which services Sydney Trains.

We are inviting registrations of interest in the project from Aboriginal groups and individuals who hold cultural knowledge relevant to determining the significance of Aboriginal objects and/or places in the locality of the Precinct. The results of consultation may be utilised for the preparation of an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment Report (ACHAR) to support a future rehabilitation Development Application and Planning Proposal.

Please note that the consultation guidelines require us to provide details of the Registered Aboriginal Parties to Heritage NSW (formerly Office of Environment and Heritage) and the Illawarra Local Aboriginal Land Council. In your response could you please advise if you would not like your details to be provided.