Impact of the R U OK? Conversation Convoy in Rural and Remote Communities
Tracks
Karrie Webb
| Friday, November 6, 2026 |
| 11:30 AM - 11:50 AM |
Overview
Billy Cheeseman, R U OK?
Three Key Learnings
1. Building community capacity through positive, low-barrier social connection that encourages safe and meaningful conversations around mental health.
2. The value of community led and sector collaboration approaches, where local knowledge, existing protective factors and trusted relationships shape engagement and outcomes.
3. Turning awareness into action by equipping communities with confidence, local connections and practical resources that continue beyond the Conversation Convoy visit.
Presenter
Billy Cheeseman
Conversation Convoy Manager
R U OK?
Impact of the R U OK? Conversation Convoy in Rural and Remote Communities
Presentation Overview
Since 2014, the R U OK? Conversation Convoy has travelled across regional, rural and remote Australia, connecting with communities to encourage meaningful conversations around mental health and suicide prevention. R U OK? are on the road approximately 120 days of the year, working with local communities to increase mental health capable members.
The Conversation Convoy is invited in to work with communities, alongside local councils, services, networks and community members who understand the unique challenges of their area, and what approaches are most meaningful for their community. Working with evidence-based data, Primary Health Networks, suicide prevention networks, local service providers, grassroots organisations and local ambassadors, the initiative aims to meet communities where they are at and create space for genuine connection and conversation.
Through community events, presentations and collaboration, the Conversation Convoy helps build confidence in the community to ask “R U OK?” their way and providing resources when responding to someone that may be struggling or thinking about suicide. In many rural and remote communities, stigma, isolation and limited access to services can make mental health conversations more difficult. The familiarity of the R U OK? message enables us to engage with communities in an authentic and non-threatening approach.
Our events aim to spark conversations over coffee and food, creating opportunities for connection in relaxed and welcoming environments. A key focus of the Conversation Convoy is ensuring support and connection continue beyond the event itself. By strengthening relationships with local services, peer networks and grassroots organisations, the Conversation Convoy contributes to stronger, more connected and mentally healthy communities.
This presentation will demonstrate the impact of community-led engagement, collaboration and grassroots connection to help build capacity for mental health-capability in rural and remote communities. Through equipping communities with resources, encouraging local connections and confidence, this work continues beyond the visit.
The Conversation Convoy is invited in to work with communities, alongside local councils, services, networks and community members who understand the unique challenges of their area, and what approaches are most meaningful for their community. Working with evidence-based data, Primary Health Networks, suicide prevention networks, local service providers, grassroots organisations and local ambassadors, the initiative aims to meet communities where they are at and create space for genuine connection and conversation.
Through community events, presentations and collaboration, the Conversation Convoy helps build confidence in the community to ask “R U OK?” their way and providing resources when responding to someone that may be struggling or thinking about suicide. In many rural and remote communities, stigma, isolation and limited access to services can make mental health conversations more difficult. The familiarity of the R U OK? message enables us to engage with communities in an authentic and non-threatening approach.
Our events aim to spark conversations over coffee and food, creating opportunities for connection in relaxed and welcoming environments. A key focus of the Conversation Convoy is ensuring support and connection continue beyond the event itself. By strengthening relationships with local services, peer networks and grassroots organisations, the Conversation Convoy contributes to stronger, more connected and mentally healthy communities.
This presentation will demonstrate the impact of community-led engagement, collaboration and grassroots connection to help build capacity for mental health-capability in rural and remote communities. Through equipping communities with resources, encouraging local connections and confidence, this work continues beyond the visit.
Biography
Maria Calocerinos has over 30 years experience in the community and mental health sectors. Maria has qualifications in social sciences, alcohol and other drugs, community development, leadership, and management and is also a mental health first aid trainer. Maria has worked as a Mental Health Manager in a Primary Health Network, managing the Access to Allied Psychological Services Program. Maria had also worked for organisations across Sydney supporting children, young people and families from multicultural backgrounds. Maria now works for R U OK? as Community Development Manager.
