Farmer and truck driver Jillaroo Jess has joined truckie mental health initiative ‘Open Road Open Up’ as it expands into Queensland.
This comes as communication and safety brand GME and Rural Outreach Counselling (ROC) extend their program into the sunshine state, following its success in New South Wales in 2023 – where high-profile driver and road safety advocate, Rod Hannifey, was involved with the program.
Queensland truckies can tune in to UHF CB Channel 24 as a free support network, connecting callers with mental health advocates and like-minded drivers.
One of those picking up the radio and manning Channel 24 will be Jess Edwards, better known as Jillaroo Jess.
“As someone who has faced their own mental health challenges, I understand the struggle of spending long hours alone with your thoughts on the road. Depression and other mental health issues can be incredibly isolating,” said Jess.
“Through Open Road Open Up, I hope to show others that they’re not alone and encourage them to reach out for support. If talking over channel 24 helps someone open up and build their own support network, then this initiative is a success. I want people to know that I’m here to listen if they need to talk.”
To equip Jess with the counselling strategies to support truckies and those in remote areas, she has received mental health resources and support through ROC’s MateKeeper Campaign. ROC sees firsthand the impact that long working hours, isolation, and time away from family and friends have on truck drivers, as well as others working and living in rural communities.
GME safety expert, Tony Crooke, explained, “Mental health is one of the biggest crises affecting truckers across the nation. In fact, nearly one in two drivers have experienced some level of psychological distress. With transport being one of Queensland’s biggest industries, we hope that our continued partnership with Rural Outreach Counselling, and Jess Edwards will help change the statistics surrounding truckies’ mental health through the power of a UHF radio.”