More than 100 St George Community Housing (SGCH) customers marked R U OK? Day by hitting the road to visit Bowral’s famous Tulip Time festival at Corbett Gardens. With packed picnic hampers and a sense of adventure, residents from Riverwood, Fairfield and Bonnyrigg sung their way down the highway, excited for the much-anticipated annual day trip to the Southern Highlands. 

Crystal clear sky and sunny weather lit up the magnificent flower displays, but the real joy was found in the sense of togetherness. The group settled in quickly, sharing homemade picnic treats, meeting new neighbours and reconnecting with old ones.  

In a show of support for fellow neighbours, Riverwood resident Rosie had made more than 100 handmade crochet R U OK? badges with sunny smiles lovingly stitched on each, making everyone feel a part of the group. “It’s okay not to be okay. You don’t have to hide it”, she said. “It’s good that we celebrate this day every year. It gives us a chance to get out of the house and have a chance to mingle and meet new people.”  

Alex celebrated his 78th birthday on his first visit to Tulip Time and was delighted when the group sang Happy Birthday. 

“I’m 78 today. I was a little bit shy, but I was happy,” he said. Reflecting on R U OK? Day, Alex added: “You talk with people, this is very nice. You can feel it from your heart when you share something.” 

Sisters Carol, 83, and Vivian, 93, were thrilled to be in good company. Carol enjoyed meeting new people and seeing different cultures and people come together, something she says gives her a real sense of belonging. 
 
“When they see us coming, they come out to meet us,” she said. “We don’t have to ask, they reach out. And that’s the thing, reaching out. It’s fantastic.” 

During the day many commented that without the free SGCH event, they wouldn’t have had an opportunity to experience Bowral, with access to a transportation or cost of living concerns presenting barriers. For some, it was simply the joy of being in a friendly group that made the journey even more meaningful. 

SGCH’s Connecting Communities team member Taylor said the day is about bringing people from many neighbourhoods together to reduce social isolation and give people a special day out, which they might not experience otherwise.  

 “You can see people meeting for the first time, multicultural language groups from different Sydney communities sitting together delighted to meet, people dancing along with the choir as they sing. That’s what our RUOK Day is all about.” 

The optimism and togetherness at this year’s celebrations was a reminder of the care that exists across our communities. Free and accessible activities like this create opportunities for people to spend time together, build relationships and make new connections – all the everyday things that help create a sense of belonging. 

R U OK? Day is a reminder that a simple conversation can save a life. If you need crisis support, call Lifeline 24/7 on 13 11 14, or visit R U OK?  for more tips on how to have a conversation when things don’t feel right.