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.

Bridging the gap between education and real-world experience. Through our Community Study and Development Program, Southport Sharks has partnered with Griffith University to provide students with valuable, hands-on hospitality and marketing experience.

Looking for a way to keep the kids entertained and yourself sane these Easter school holidays? We’ve got you covered.

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’ 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.

This week marks the end of an era, as Rick Fankhauser steps down from his position—closing a remarkable chapter of leadership, legacy, and lifelong dedication.

Southport Sharks is thrilled to announce that we will be hosting Laneway Festival on Saturday, 7 February 2026! Since 2007, Laneway Festival has been a leader in the Brisbane summer cultural calendar, and for the first time the Gold Coast will now become the home of this iconic event. As an over 1...

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 ...

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.

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

Southport Sharks proudly donated $9,828 to headspace Southport, supporting youth mental health initiatives, social programs, and community engagement to help young people build resilience and connection.

Over 12 hours, our team and members will take on a continuous bike challenge — with someone riding every 30 minutes — to raise awareness and funds for those who need it most.

This week the AFL released its 2025 participation data, confirming that Aussie Rules has hit a national record of 625,000 participants.