Fun and games for serious cause

The local Pilbara community gathered together at events last Thursday for R U OK? Day.

A range of events and activities were held on the day, from a lunch at an Aboriginal corporation, to a series of fun activities and food at Karratha High School.

Headspace Pilbara also held a walk on Saturday morning with residents enjoying the Yaburara Heritage Trail, behind Karratha Leisureplex, before speaking about their experiences with mental health challenges.

Robe River Kuruma Aboriginal Corporation, in conjunction with IBN and PKKP, hosted a community event where locals gathered to mingle, enjoy food and ask the all important question: “R U OK?”

RRK programs officer Sally Atkinson said this year’s event had the largest turnout in its three-year history.

“I think it’s important for everyone to come together and remind themselves that they are actually not alone and there are other people going through things and there are other people there to support them, especially this year due to COVID,” she said.

“While we haven’t been in isolation as much as the rest of the country, it still has impacted us and it still has impacted some of out family and friends on the eastern side of Australia.”

Events were also held at Karratha Senior High School, with the Karratha Girls Academy hosting a series of fun activities and food at lunch time.

Karratha Girls Academy program manager Jodi Bampton said KGA had a recess in its academy room.

“It was bring a friend day, so even if you are not Aboriginal or Torres Straight Islander you could bring in anybody you wanted,” she said.

Ms Bampton said it was important to check in on people everyday.

“R U OK? Day is not just important for one day, we should be checking in on all our kids, friends and mates every day,” she said.