Rail R U OK? Day is celebrating its 12th anniversary this month, and continues to evolve from a national industry day of action into a year-round movement that fosters a culture of compassion and understanding among colleagues, any day of the year.
A partnership between national harm prevention charities – the TrackSAFE Foundation and R U OK? – the initiative now sees more than 130,000 rail workers from hundreds of organisations participate each year.
According to the TrackSAFE Foundation, more than half of Australians experience a stressful time at least once a year. While working in rail can be rewarding, it also has its challenges, from shift work to operational pressures. Frontline staff also face an increase in anti-social behaviour.
The organisation, whose mission is to prevent suicides and reduce accidents and injuries on the rail network, as well as improve the wellbeing of rail employees, said social connections can make all the difference when it comes to coping with the ups and downs of life.
It aims to build a workplace culture where colleagues feel more comfortable checking in with each other. It also teaches the signs that someone might not be OK and offers guidance on how to listen and encourage them to seek help. Rail R U OK? reminds the industry of the importance of keeping in touch and noticing when a colleague might not be acting like themselves.
“Throughout my decades (we won’t say how many) working in the rail industry, I’ve seen first-hand the pivotal role that Rail R U OK? has had in breaking down stigma of mental ill-health and encouraging authentic and open conversations,” said Danny Broad, Chair of the TrackSAFE Foundation.
“Rail R U OK? is a movement that resonates with people of all ages, in different roles, and from all walks of life.”
R U OK? Chief Executive Officer Lachlan Searle said he is looking forward to connecting with the rail industry in the year ahead.
“It’s been 12 years since the first Rail R U OK? And the rail industry continues to create environments where genuine conversations can thrive,” he said.
“Now a year-round conversation movement, Rail R U OK? shows how regular, meaningful conversations can strengthen teams and support wellbeing.
“R U OK? are inspired by the thousands of rail workers who make connection a priority, and look forward to our continued work alongside TrackSAFE to support the rail industry look out for one another, any day of the year.”
This year’s industry National Day of Action will take place on Thursday, 23 April 2026.
Adam Willis’s story
Adam Willis started working in the rail industry as soon as he got the chance – the day after his 16th birthday, in fact.
More than 30 years later, he’s still employed at the same company, TasRail.
“I’m turning 53 next week so it’s been quite a stint!” he said.
“I’ve had lots of different roles at TasRail over the years. I started out as an apprentice fitter and turner in the workshops, and from there I moved up to supervisor roles before going into project and infrastructure management.”
Now, Willis is a Safety Advisor, working with infrastructure crews and contractors out on the tracks.
A Launceston man through and through, he’s loyal to TasRail and loves his job.
“Because TasRail is a relatively small rail organisation and the only one in Tasmania apart from heritage and tourist ones, everyone sort of knows everyone,” he said.
“I work with guys who went to my 18th birthday and my wedding, we were friends when my kids were born and we’re still friends.
“The railway has always been like family for me.”
Willis enjoys his Safety Advisor role as he said he’s always been passionate about making sure everyone gets home safe and sound.
“I’ve been fortunate to be able to take my experience from a lot of different areas in the rail industry and use that to work with the crews to improve safety in practical ways,” he said.
But it isn’t just physical health and safety that Willis concerns himself with – he also cares deeply about the mental health of his colleagues.
He first got involved with Rail R U OK? Day after he spotted an advert looking for “conversation champions”.
Now he does presentations for other members of the rail industry where he talks about the importance of checking in.
“I’ve always joked that I’m pretty good at chatting, and I thought ‘I could definitely be a conversation champion!’” he said.
“But what really drew me in about Rail R U OK? is the simplicity of it. It’s just about asking that question, getting that conversation started and listening to people.”
Willis said people within the rail industry are often very good at looking after their colleagues if they get physically hurt, but sometimes the mental health side of things can be overlooked.
“We’ll help to cover their roles at work, or go round to their home and help them out around the house – but do we ever stop to ask them how they are coping mentally with being off work? What pressures is it putting on them at home and their families?”
Willis admitted that you might not always get the reaction you hope for when you try to check in on someone’s mental health – but it’s worth the risk.
“Look, it’s a difficult conversation, and you’ve got to prepare yourself for that,” he said.
“I’ve been told ‘Leave me alone’ before, and that’s no problem. Some people are defensive or don’t feel comfortable opening up at first.”
His advice is to start slow and offer to grab a coffee or go for a walk with someone you think might be struggling.
“You don’t have to go in guns blazing – take a gentle approach. Build up trust and eventually someone might share what they’ve been going through.
“And be prepared with tissues in your pocket. Even the toughest guys, you’d be surprised when they eventually let go, there are usually tears by the end of it.”
Although Willis loves working in the rail industry, he admits some aspects can be challenging from a mental health perspective.
“The impact that incidents and close calls can have on our drivers is huge,” he said.
“They can be traumatised and afraid that it will happen again.
“Whenever there is an incident, we make sure we put another driver on with the driver involved afterwards and follow up with them to make sure they are OK.”
He said the majority of feedback he’s received after checking in with colleagues has been very positive.
“There is often a major sense of relief,” he said. “The best feedback of all is when I hear my colleagues have gone on to have those conversations with other colleagues.
“If you see someone who’s going through difficulties, don’t just walk past or wait until it’s too late.
“A simple conversation could save someone’s life.”
Resources
Visit tracksafefoundation.com.au for free resources to help you have an R U OK? conversation and plan your Rail R U OK? activities
If you or someone you know needs some extra support, you can find contact information for national support and services at: ruok.org.au/findhelp
For support at any time of day or night, Lifeline Australia provides free and confidential crisis support. Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or chat online at: www.lifeline.org.au
13YARN is a free 24/7 service offering crisis support for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people. Call 13YARN (13 92 76).
