How many of us are struggling right now? Struggling with the cost of living, cost of doing business, finding staff, family issues, or with depression.
As many of you know, I have previously struggled with depression and even though I have a great life compared to many others, some days I feel myself teetering on the edge of that abyss.
How much harder it must be for those who are not working doing something they love, in an industry that has been their home and family for decades.
We talk so much about mental health awareness; I think by now that everyone is aware of it, but it is getting that practical help to those in isolation that is the biggest problem or recognising when you need to make changes to better support yourself through the toughest times of the day.
I used to call my mum at the same time every day. When she passed away that became a very tough hour to get through each day, so I had to change my routine, but it took some time, and it still catches me out some days.
These are the times we need to be mindful and give ourselves the tools to cope whether it is music, meditation or reaching out to family or friends.
There is no one size fits all solution, you need to find what works best for you. Work, reading and pets have always been antidotes for me and there is no shortage of work to be had in my life, or books or pets either!
So, as we work our way through winter, maybe we can take the time out to stay in touch more often.
I have been a terrible slacker at this since Covid and really need to lift my game so that is my mid-year resolution; to take better care of my friends.
Transport Women Australia Limited (TWAL) is so excited for our event in conjunction with CeMAT and hope that we generate plenty of interest in transport and logistics careers on the day.
We will have three board members in attendance with a presentation on the main program, participation on a panel and our own event with speaker, Joana Feiteira and panellists from transport, logistics and supply chain; the panel will be facilitated by TWAL company secretary, True Ross-Sawrey.
In August, we have the inaugural Transport Women Unite Red Ball and the Dream Maker Awards taking place during the festival of sport at Alice Springs.
We have had some great nominations and will have some delighted recipients.
We will be presenting prizes for the Best Dressed Male and Female on the night, so get your red glad rags on and join the party!
We have many events planned for the remainder of 2023 and the ‘Living the Dream’ conference and our 25th anniversary party already well into the advanced planning stages for 2024.
For any enquiries about events, membership, partnerships, or sponsorship please email chair@transportwomen.com.au or phone 0417422319.
• If you, or someone you know is struggling, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or chat online at lifeline.org.au, or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. There are also handy information and tools available at Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds (healthyheads.org.au), a registered not-for-profit charitable foundation, established to improve outcomes in areas relating to psychological safety and physical wellbeing, across the road transport, warehousing and logistics industries in Australia.
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Jacquelene Brotherton is chair of Transport Women Australia