In 1995, much-loved Barry Larkin was far from okay. His suicide left family and friends in deep grief and with endless questions.
In 2009, his son Gavin Larkin chose to champion just one question to honour his father and to try and protect other families from the pain his endured.
“Are you OK?”
While collaborating with Janina Nearn on a documentary to raise awareness, the team quickly realised the documentary alone wouldn’t be enough.
To genuinely change behaviour Australia-wide, a national campaign was launched and R U OK? was born.
Gavin remained a passionate champion of the fact a conversation could change a life, even as cancer ended his in 2011. His legacy is a national Conversation Movement that is equipping Australians with the skills and confidence to support those struggling with life.
R U OK? was born from lived experience. The valuable insights, storytelling and expertise of those with that experience continues to be weaved throughout everything the organisation does. Across the RUOK team, including its board, advisory groups and ambassadors the group remains respectful and proud of those who share their journeys to help continually improve our work.
More about the Kyabram P-12 College event on page 7 today and the development of the wellbeing building, which is expected to be operational in October.
