“BEST FREE BREAKY IN THE WHITSUNDAYS!”

At Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network’s Monthly What’s Up Mate Breakfast

A crowd of more than 70 people stood in solidarity for the “best free breakfast in the Whitsundays” last Friday, as the smell of sizzling bacon, eggs, tomatoes and mushrooms wafted enticingly into the early morning air.

They were, however, standing in solidarity for more than a delicious breaky, it was an opportunity to gather together, reconnect and ask a simple but powerful question – What’s Up Mate?

What’s Up Mate?

What started as a small and intimate monthly breakfast gathering has gained momentum and has now flourished in numbers growing from attendees of around 20 to a whopping 70 people consistently over the last few months.

Held in the open carpark area outside the two host businesses – Shirtfront Solutions and Enzed – the venue is both central and casual, making it easy for people to come along.

“We wanted to make it quick and easy so there is less excuse if you can’t come!” joked Matt Stokes President of Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network (WSPN).

“We’ve seen steady growth over the last three or four months and we’ve become known for having the best free breakfast in town!”

Matt added that, in addition to being an event where people can connect, it has also become a place for people to seek help.

“For me, by having these meetings, I’ve had half a dozen people that have come to me because they needed a bit of help. I was able to point them in the right direction, and a lot of it is just talking.”

Each ‘What’s Up Mate Breakfast’ includes a five minute impactful speech by a local invited speaker. Previously they have had talks about self-discipline, alcohol and trauma, and finding purpose in retirement.

On Friday they welcomed Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins who spoke candidly about his own experience with stress and shared advice on how to combat mental health issues.

“For myself, it hasn't been a clean run to where I am today. I've had to battle things like a previous marriage breakdown and that was a really tough time for me getting through that, as well as the loss of my father a number of years ago," he said.

“I just implore you to at least take some time to consider how you're feeling, how your energy is, your state of mind, and try and factor in some time each week to actually make sure you're looking after yourself.”

With suicide rates peaking over the Christmas period WSPN say now is the time to stay connected more than ever.

“Make sure you are not alone for Christmas Day,” shared Matt.

“There is a whole lot of people in the same situation and the longer you leave it without reaching out the harder it gets.

“We also compare our lives to what we see on social media so make sure you stay connected to family and friends, especially at this time a year."

If you would like to talk to someone about your own mental wellbeing reach out to Matt and the team at WSPN, or call LifeLine on 13 11 14.

You can view the photo gallery from last Friday’s What’s Up Mate Breakfast on page 29.

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