06 Aug 2014
To help create a world where all people are connected and are protected from suicide, Accor Hotels is supporting the R U OK? Conversation Bus Tour 2014 which launches in Darwin, Thursday 7 August.
Not-for-profit suicide prevention organisation, R U OK? is hitting the road in a bright yellow bus to inspire Aussies everywhere to be even better mates by asking “are you ok?” more regularly.
The national campaign will host 18 community events in regional and metropolitan areas (NT, NSW, VIC, SA and ACT), before finishing the 12,000 km journey at Prince Alfred Park in Sydney on R U OK?Day (Thursday 11 September).
Accor hotels across nine locations are ready to welcome the R U OK? Conversation Bus and accommodate the R U OK? road trippers as they inspire meaningful conversations in local communities to help reduce suicide in Australia – the biggest killer of Australians under 44 years of age.
Chief Operating Officer of Accor Pacific, Simon McGrath said, “Our hotels and staff are integral to keeping communities connected through great hospitality and we are proud to support the R U OK? Conversation Bus Tour and their very important mission,” said Mr. McGrath.
“The conversation bus tour is a fantastic initiative and we are delighted to contribute to the campaign by providing safe and comfortable accommodation for R U OK ambassadors and engaging our own hotel staff about the importance of having regular and meaningful conversations.”
R U OK? General Manager Brendan Maher said the Bus Tour is all about getting out to communities and inspiring people to ask someone “are you ok?”
The R U OK? Conversation Bus tour will visit Accor hotels including Novotel Darwin Atrium, Ibis Styles Katherine, Ibis Styles Mt Isa Verona, Ibis Townsville, Mercure Mildura, Ibis Adelaide, Novotel Forest Resort Creswick, Mercure Melbourne Albert Park, Ibis Styles Eaglehawk and Mercure Sydney.
Accor hotel staff will also join in the free R U OK ? community events alongside employees from Hungry Jacks - Principal Partner of the R U OK ? Conversation Bus Tour 2014 - to inspire meaningful conversations.
To follow the tour, visit www.ruokday.com
Media Contact:
Ginni Post
Accor Hotels
02 9280 9874
Notes to Editors:
R U OK? Conversation Bus Tour Dates
Thurs 7 Aug Darwin, Bennett Park 11 – 1p.m
Sat 9 Aug Katherine, Community Markets, Ryan Park 9.30-11.30 am
Tues 12 Aug Tennant Creek, Peko Park 9.30-11.30am
Thurs 14 Aug Mount Isa, Civic Lawns 9.30-11.30am
Sat 16 Aug Townsville, Cultural Festival Jezzine Park from 10am
Mon 18 Aug Mackay, Blue Water Quay 9.30-11.30am
Thurs 21 Aug Rockhampton, Kershaw Gardens 9.30-11.30am
Sat 23 Aug Roma, CYRC 9.30-11.30am
Mon 25 Aug Dubbo, Ollie Robbins Oval 11am -1pm
Weds 27 Aug Griffith, Memorial Park 9.30-11.30am
Fri 29 Aug Mildura, Mildura Mall 9.30-11.30am
Mon 1 Sept Adelaide, Victoria Square 11am – 1pm
Weds 3 Sept Mount Gambier, Cave Gardens 9.30.11.30am
Fri 5 Sept Ballarat, tbc 10am-12pm
Sat 6 Sept Melbourne, Queensbridge Square 11am-2pm
Tues 9 Sept Albury, QEII Square 9.30-11.30am
Weds 10 Sept Canberra, Marist College 10am-12pm
Thurs 11 Sept R U OK?Day. Sydney, Prince Alfred Park 8-11am
R U OK? is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to inspire Australians to have regular, meaningful conversations throughout the year to help anyone who might be struggling with life
For tips on how to report sensitively and accurately on suicide, please visit: http://www.mindframe-media.info/for-media
Facts:
- On average, more than 2,400 Australians suicide each year.
- 65,000 people attempt suicide each year[1]
- Suicide is the biggest killer of Australians under 44 years[2]
- Men account for around 75 per cent of all suicide deaths
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