R U Ok? Day - 14 September 2023

Be Here to Hear, Because a Conversation Could Change a Life

Be Here to Hear, Because a Conversation Could Change a Life

R U OK? Day, held on the second Thursday of September each year, serves as a powerful reminder for us all to pause and reflect on the importance of slowing down, asking a simple question and actively listening to the people we care about. At Southport Sharks, our community is at the heart of what we do, and we are proud to support this important cause.

In 1995, Gavin Larkin tragically lost his father to suicide. The pain and grief of that loss motivated Gavin to act and in 2009, he decided to honour his father’s memory and protect other families from similar heartache by championing one question: “Are you OK?”

Life can be overwhelming with its demands – work, school, sport and daily routines. It’s easy to forget to check in on those around us. That’s why today the Southport Sharks team are taking the time to focus on reaching out to each other and ourselves. A simple conversation, as we know, can be a lifeline for someone who might be silently struggling.

To learn more about R U OK? Day, please visit www.ruok.org.au. If you or someone you know is struggling, remember that you can always speak confidentially with a professional at Lifeline by calling 13 11 14.

Similar Articles

These articles are similar to the one you are reading.

Saturday 7 February 2026 will go down as a historic day not only for Southport Sharks, but for the entire City of Gold Coast. In a major coup for the region, Southport Sharks hosted the Queensland leg of Laneway Festival for the first time in the 21-year tenure of the event. Over 37,000 ...

One night in a cardboard box to make a real impact. Southport Sharks CEO Dean Bowtell is stepping up to support homeless Australians, participating in the St Vincent de Paul CEO Sleepout at Cbus Stadium.

Southport Sharks has been named the 2025 Gold Coast Club of the Year at the 57th Gold Coast Sports Awards, proudly presented by Triple M.

Sustainability and sport go hand in hand. Southport Sharks has teamed up with Sports Environment Alliance (SEA) to champion eco-friendly initiatives and create a greener future for our community.

A small donation, a life-changing impact! Thanks to the Southport Sharks Community Benefits Fund, the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation now has MEQU Warmer Systems—critical technology that helps deliver emergency blood transfusions faster and safer than ever.

Celebrate Box Coffee's 11th Birthday with free coffee, free food, a live DJ and the chance to take home $500 cash!

A well-deserved honour for a true community leader! Southport Sharks proudly congratulates Club Patron Paul Stevens on being awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for his incredible contributions to the Gold Coast.

The Northern Gold Coast’s newest go-to hotspot for margaritas and mezcal, tequila and tacos, Kaktus Bar, will officially open next week, on Thursday 18 December 2025.

Southport Sharks is proud to celebrate a significant milestone, surpassing $200,000 in financial support to the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation. Since 2011, we have helped fund the Cancer Patient Transport Service, community gardens, and medical equipment.

Southport Sharks’ new DOSA is now open — a spacious, light-filled area with lounge seating, bar tables, and permanent overhead heaters. Accessible to the left, past the Gaming Cashier via button-operated doors.

Southport Sharks Co-Captain Jacob Dawson will play his 100th game for the Sharks Saturday June 13 against the Sydney Swans.

Southport Sharks is excited to reintroduce our Community Benefits Fund, with Macleods Refuge as our newest charity partner. This Gold Coast-based not-for-profit provides safe emergency accommodation for women and children escaping family violence.