Queensland Emergency Services takes a mental health day

When we asked Senior Firefighter, Darcy Browning from the South Townsville Fire Station why he chose to support the LIVIN charity in a recent charity golf day, his answer was simple “Mental health has and continues to effect Townsville Emergency Services and we wanted our charity golf day to bring all the first responders community together to raise much needed awareness on mental health and to support LIVIN’s initiatives.” 

LIVIN in the Tropics was a charity golf day with a difference with all participants members of the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, Queensland Police, Queensland Ambulance Service, Australian Army, Queensland Corrective Services and Queensland Government Air. 

The day was held at the Tropics Golf Club in Kirwan and was a chance to let those who serve and protect the community, to let their hair down and enjoy a day of fun, golf, conversation and a few colourful outfits! 

A recent national survey facilitated by Beyond Blue of over 21,000 first responders revealed how important mental health education and awareness is to those who work in what can sometimes be labelled as highly traumatic situations. The survey highlighted that two in five employees and one in three volunteers who worked for emergency services, had been diagnosed with a mental health condition, compared to one in five in the general population.  

Initiatives such as the one hosted by Darcy Browning and the team at QFES are instrumental in opening up the conversation surrounding mental health to those who need to hear it the most. 

The LIVIN in the Tropics golf day also received support from the community and local MP Aaron Harper.  “I commend both QFES Office Darcy Browning and QPS Officer Jim Smith who worked hard to gain valuable sponsorship and with the help of Tropics Golf Club made the day a huge success.” Said Mr Harper. “This event was organised to highlight Mental Health and Wellbeing for all in our Emergency Services and raised over $7,000 for the LIVIN charity who does excellent work in suicide prevention.”

We congratulate and sincerely thank all those that initiated, supported, participated and contributed to this fantastic event and look forward to keeping the conversation going with the incredible support of this important and inspiring group that already do so much for the community. 

“As a team member of the Ambo’s, I look forward to supporting this annual event and help get that winning shielf to the Ambulance Station in 2020!” Said Mr Harper. 

#ItAintWeakToSpeak