Nearly 100 trucks participated in a convoy from Woolgoolga to Coffs Harbour today on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, aimed at raising awareness about the mental health crisis affecting truck drivers nationwide.
Key points:
Almost 100 trucks participated in this ongoing awareness campaign for the mental health crisis.
Organiser Eno Taylor stated that the industry has reached a “crisis stage”.
Family and friends gathered to pay tribute to those lost and advocate for change.
Eno Taylor, an ambassador for Lifeline North Coast and the event’s organiser, expressed his admiration for the large turnout for the Grinding Gears and Burning Diesel initiative.
“The response today is remarkable,” he remarked, noting the impressive attendance.
He commented that the condition of truck drivers has worsened significantly over the years, stating, “We are currently facing a crisis in the mental health of truck drivers.”
“Current statistics are alarming.”
A recent study from Monash University revealed that suicide has become the second leading cause of death for truck drivers under 30 years old. Additionally, it found that 20% of drivers experience significant psychological distress, which is nearly twice the rate of Australian men in the same age group.
Convoy for Change
Mr. Taylor initiated the first convoy in memory of two Coffs Coast drivers who lost their lives, including his friend Mark Haines, 52, and 29-year-old Tom Seccombe from KT Haulage.
Tom’s sister, Brooke Seccombe, shared that her brother’s suicide was unexpected given his lifelong passion for trucking.
“He lived and breathed trucks; it was his life,” she stated, adding, “We’re here today to spread awareness because no one expected this to happen.”
“If we can save even one life, it’s worth it.”
Brooke, also a truck driver, emphasized the isolation often felt in the transport industry. “Driving up to 6,000 kilometers a week alone can be incredibly lonely,” she said.
Impact of Long-Haul Work on Mental Health
Mr. Taylor noted that various factors contribute to the declining mental health of drivers, such as a decrease in workplace camaraderie and the scarcity of truck stops.
“The community bond among drivers seems to have vanished,” he observed. “With fewer truck stops, drivers often must park on the roadside without proper amenities.”
Taylor explained the immense pressure and time constraints, alongside long periods away from family, leading him to leave on-road work in pursuit of a better lifestyle and mental health.
If you or someone you know needs help:
- Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support line 13YARN: 13 92 76
- Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
- Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
- Headspace: 1800 650 890
- ReachOut: au.reachout.com
- MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978
- QLife: 1800 184 527
Taylor emphasized the need to improve conditions for truck drivers who play a vital role in transporting goods across Australia, stating, “Trucks are essential, carrying everything from food to other supplies.”
He expressed hope that increased attention from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator could lead to improvements in truck driver health and well-being in the coming years.
Families and friends gathered at the Coffs Harbour finish line to celebrate lives lost and show their support for the trucking community. (ABC Coffs Coast: Indiana Hansen)
