MaxiTRANS backs R U OK?

Aussie trailer giant throws its muscle behind mental health and suicide prevention initiative

MaxiTRANS, the company behind Australian trailer brands such as Freighter, Maxi-Cube, Hamelex White and Lusty EMS, among others, has thrown its weight behind the annual mental health and suicide prevention initiative, R U OK? day.

R U OK? day, to be held on Thursday, September 14, is a day where everyone is encouraged to check in with colleagues, friends and family to see how they're coping with life. It doesn't take much effort to ask a mate if they're doing okay, but if they're struggling that simple connection can mean a lot. In the case of anyone who's really doing it tough, it can be the start of a conversation that can ultimately potentially save a life.

In an industry that perhaps tends towards 'putting on a brave face' in the midst of adversity, and with truck drivers already dealing with isolation, time away from families and many other hardships, sadly the road freight industry is no stranger to the tragedy of suicide.

According to 24-hour counselling service Lifeline there are eight suicides in Australia each day and over 65,000 attempted suicides each year. Men commit suicide at triple the rate of women, and suicide remains as the leading cause of death for Australians aged between 15 and 44.

In backing R U OK?, MaxiTRANS will donate one per cent of the purchase price from all parts purchased and new trailers or truck bodies ordered on September 14, up to a maximum of $15,000.

The move comes after the Australian Trucking Association called for urgent action on suicide prevention called for urgent action on suicide prevention at its 2017 Trucking Australia conference in Darwin.

There ATA Chair Geoff Crouch highlighted how, based on recent statistics, Australia's road transport industry stands to lose 32 members to suicide this year.

"It's time to take action," he said in Darwin.

"If this is not a national emergency for our industry, then I don't know what is."

To find out more about R U OK? day, visit ruok.org.au.

MaxiTRANS backs R U OK?

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