Soure: Kalgoorlie Miner. Fri 9 Sept. 2022
Topdrill’s fifth annual R U OK? Day sunrise breakfast on Thursday morning attracted 170 workers and their families to mark the company’s commitment to promote mental health.
The breakfast was sponsored by MLG, Worthy Group, Kalsigns and Emyjor Services and gave employees an opportunity to socialise with one another and enjoy a cooked breakfast.
Topdrill managing director Tim Topham said it was important for him to open up the conversation to break down the barriers and stigma surrounding mental health.
“Everyone goes on their own journey and we have roadblocks that come about from time to time,” he said.
“But there is a lot of support and help out there. Struggling with mental health doesn’t have to be a thing that impacts the way people feel, their relationships and their productivity.
“Everyone goes on their own journey and we have roadblocks that come about from time to time.”
"Days like today allow us to talk about it, have those discussions and talk about the support options, especially how we as individuals can support people that go through tough times.
“Bringing that to front of mind — what support is out there — is what today is about.
“And to share knowledge about some of the tools that will help people find solutions.”
Mr Topham said it was important for Topdrill to move away from “tokenism”.
“Every company in the country will be smashing LinkedIn today about R U OK? but tomorrow they won’t be supporting their people,” he said.
“So we try make it different and be a community-based company, no different than our industry peers here today.
“The mental health and well-being of our teams is at the core of all our business values, as well as supporting our wider community. “We were incredibly proud to partner with such fantastic local Kalgoorlie businesses for a great cause and we are already looking forward to next year’s event.”
Mr Topham also presented $8775 to mental health charity zero2hero, which ran a Goldfields’Young Heroes tour last month.
The tour was driven by MLG, Kalgoorlie MLA Ali Kent, Hope Community Services, headspace and the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder and visited 12 schools across the Goldfields region.
“We want to engage with the schools and support zero2hero in their messaging,” Mr Topham said.
“I was inspired to raise money for zero2hero after hearing the positive work the charity had done in the local schools.
“We felt we could further support the cause by nominating the charity as our fundraiser recipient for 2022.
“Mental health education is an incredibly important part of equipping teens with the tools and resources to make sure they are able to deal with challenges themselves.
“When MLG brought them to town last month, I was really impressed by the skill set they were teaching the kids. It’s not something we have had the support for in the Kalgoorlie region before.
“I thought it was an amazing community engagement tool and really brought a long-term benefit to Kalgoorlie.
“With this money raised today, seven Goldfields kids will be able to go to a zero2hero camp and they will come back with those skills and help make the world a better place.”
The local business community was also invited to buy a high-vis shirt in support of the charity, with all funds going to the charity.
R U OK? is a harm prevention charity that encourages people to stay connected and have conversations that can help others through difficult times in their lives.
R U OK? Day is the national day of action when Australians are reminded that every day is the day to ask ‘are you OK?’ and start a meaningful conversation whenever they spot the signs that someone they care about might be struggling with life.
Topdrill is a Kalgoorlie-Boulder-based drilling company which partners with top-tier miners.