In 2021, Ian ‘Eno’ Taylor felt the deep impact of losing his colleagues Mark Haines and Tom Seccombe. Both had died by suicide.
As fellow truck drivers, Eno wanted to do something to raise awareness that truck drivers needed help and support and encourage others to speak out and seek the help when they need it so no other families would have to go through this.
Eno decided to organise the first local convoy of trucks, reaching out to his network in the local community and within only a matter of days, the simple act of making a difference became an event with over 102 trucks joining the convoy on the day.
Eno is now a Lifeline North Coast Ambassador, and the Grinding Gears, Burning Diesel Lifeline North Coast Truck Convoy is an annual event.
This year it is being held on Saturday, November 12.
Trucks will set off from the Woolgoolga Industrial area and arrive at the Coffs International Stadium, with over 150 local trucks, drivers, and community coming together to show support for mental health, raising awareness of suicide, and of course remembering Tom Seccombe and Mark Haines, and others lost to suicide.
“This year is going to be bigger and even more amazing than last year and the event is only going to keep growing in years to come,” said Eno.
To be involved in the convoy, as on the ground event help, or to simply donate, head over to Lifeline North Coast’s page to find out more.
Says Angela Martin, acting CEO for Lifeline North Coast: “The pressures associated with being a truck driver are well known and contribute to an increased risk of multiple physical and mental health conditions.
“We wish to show support for the truck drivers and their families who sacrifice so much, to ensure we have food on our tables, let’s show them that the Coffs community cares as well as raise much needed money to help with the operational costs of running our crisis support phone line 13 11 14, and developing much needed support services for our truck drivers.”
Organisers of this event are also encouraging local families to show support roadside by cheering on the drivers, as the convoy makes its way down the Pacific Highway.
If you need support, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
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