Minute With The Mayor 12 December

Looking Out for Each Other This Time of Year

I had the privilege of joining the Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network (WSPN) breakfast in Cannonvale recently as a guest speaker, and it was one of those mornings that remind you just how strong and connected our community really is.

Before most people had even hit the snooze button, the turnout was incredible with a mix of tradies in hi-vis, small business owners grabbing a cuppa on their way to work, emergency services staff coming off shift, and plenty of familiar community faces. All there for one reason: to look out for each other.

Events like this matter. They create space for honest conversation, which we often avoid because life gets busy or because we’re conditioned to “just get on with it.”

But the truth is, all of us, at some point, carry heavy things. As the guest speaker, I shared a bit about my own journey with the group as like anyone, I’ve had my ups and downs, and there have been times where stress has crept up on me more than I’d like to admit. This time of year, especially, the fatigue, the deadlines, the cost pressures, and the general rush of life can stack up quickly.

One of the most important things I’ve learned, and I’m still learning, is that we’re not meant to carry everything alone. Talking helps. Good mates help. Checking in helps. Even just recognising that you’re not the only one feeling stretched can take some weight off your shoulders.

A big hats off to Matt Stokes and the whole WSPN team for continuing to build these safe and open spaces. They don’t just run events they help shift culture and remind us that real strength isn’t staying quiet; it’s speaking up and listening without judgement.

Thanks to ShirtFront Solutions and Enzed Whitsunday for hosting and to Amanda Camm MP for sponsoring the breakfast. These partnerships show what can happen when business, community and leaders lean in together.

As we head into the tail end of the year, I want to encourage everyone to take a moment for yourself and a moment for someone else. Slow down where you can. Reach out if you’re struggling. And if someone crosses your mind, then send the text, make the call, say g’day.

We’re a better, stronger Whitsundays when we look out for each other.

‍