R U OK? Day

Mr COWDREY (Colton) (15:14): I would like to take this opportunity today to acknowledge a couple of matters. Today, 12 September, is R U OK? Day. R U OK? is a not-for-profit suicide prevention organisation that helps raise awareness by encouraging local communities to look out for one another and ask the question: R U OK? I have been an R U OK? ambassador since prior to entering this place and I am a big supporter of the work that R U OK? do to encourage everyone to meaningfully connect with people around them and support anyone who is struggling.

I think one of the reasons why R U OK? has been so successful is that it is a simple message but one that can make a huge difference or even save a life. R U OK? suggests four steps to start a conversation: (1) ask the question R U OK?; (2) listen; (3) encourage action; and (4) check in. The R U OK? Day Trust the Signs tour, raising awareness around mental health, recently visited Adelaide prior to R U OK? Day. I was fortunate enough to attend with federal minister Anne Ruston and to hear some of the latest research being done in the area.

While the profile of mental health has been raised significantly in the past few years through the wonderful work of charities such as R U OK? there is still much more to do. I want to thank all the volunteers and everyone involved in R U OK? and wish them the best as they continue to raise the profile of mental health and suicide prevention in our community. I urge everyone to continue to ask the question and to keep checking in with their friends, their family and other people in their community—not just on this day—and keep this issue at the forefront of people's minds. Take a minute to have a conversation because that one minute could save someone's life.

We know that one of the best ways we can prevent and manage mental health is through physical exercise and strong community organisations. A sense of purpose and belonging is absolutely crucial to happiness. This leads me to the other matter I wanted to discuss today, which is to recognise the 2018-19 surf lifesaving season, in particular the achievements of the West Beach and Henley surf lifesaving clubs. Our surf lifesaving clubs certainly provide opportunities for physical exercise and are well known for their community-minded and inclusive approach.

I recently attended the Red and Yellow Ball that recognises statewide achievements and the Henley and West Beach surf lifesaving club presentation nights. I would like to take a moment to congratulate the major award winners from both clubs. At the Red and Yellow Ball, Henley was recognised as the Club of the Year, which is absolutely excellent recognition. The Community Education Program of the year went to Henley's nippers program, a program I am incredibly proud to be involved with that provides a pathway into lifesaving for young people with a disability. Well done to everyone at the club involved in the program.

The Lifeguard of the Year went to Cooper Forest and the Assessor of the Year to Roy Menner, both from the Henley Surf Life Saving Club. The Athlete of the Year went to Ben Zuill, the Nipper of the Year to Oliver Cenko, the Innovation Award to Peter Zuill, and the Surf Lifesaver of the Year to Brian Burrowes, all of the West Beach Surf Life Saving Club.

At the Henley awards night the Hero of the Surf was awarded to Alex Bandjak for his efforts in performing a rescue earlier in the year. The President's Award went to Chris Fuller, recognising many years of hard work and dedication to the club. The Club Member of the Year went to Darren Hocking, the Barry Duhne Junior Lifesaver of the Year to Michaela Collins, the Senior Lifesaver of the Year to Sue Mitchell, and the Patrol Member of the Year to Rebecca Forest. The Best First Year Member went to Dayna Fisher.

At the West Beach awards night the Kay Dempsey Female Club Champion for 2018-19 was Alyson Hettner, the J. Edwards Senior Club Champion went to Matt Zuill, the Cadet Female Club Champion to Tayla Dawkins, the Cadet Male Club Champion to Eddy Newberry, and the Junior Female Club Champion to Stella Benger. The Junior Male Club Champion was Harry Dawkins and the Master Club Champion Women was Glenda McArthur. I would like to congratulate each and every one of those surf lifesavers on their tremendous achievement across the 2018-19 season.

As it is already starting to warm up, and with the next season only just around the corner, it is important to recognise and acknowledge not only the surf lifesaving clubs in my electorate of Colton but all clubs in South Australia as they continue to volunteer their time patrolling our wonderful beaches to keep our communities safe.