Sam sparks courageous conversations on RUOK? Day
Love Your Sister’s chief cancer vanquisher Samuel Johnson OAM, brought joy and emotion to Maryborough Hospital during an RUOK? Day visit on Thursday as part of a celebration focusing on mental health and wellbeing.
Sam’s visit encouraged staff and community members to check in on friends, family, and colleagues. The tour included a stop at the hospital’s oncology ward, where Sam shared stories, listened to patients and pulled out entertaining props including his gold logie to brighten the day.
He later joined a staff BBQ before getting down to what he calls the “serious work” of mental health awareness.
“I will always be here to honour my sister Connie and to keep her fight against cancer alive through Love Your Sister,” Sam said during his visit.
He emphasised the importance of raising awareness not only about cancer but also about the mental health struggles many face, particularly in rural and regional areas.
“Asking are you okay is a great start but it’s more than that,” he added, stressing the need to break the stigma around mental health in country towns, where people often suffer in silence and suicide rates are sky rocketing.”
Sam shared his own self-care journey, significantly shaped by his lived experience of love, loss and grief.
“Self-care will always be a work in progress… Sometimes I have to go back to go forward,” he said.
Maryborough District Health Service CEO Nickola Allan highlighted the importance of RUOK? Day, especially for healthcare workers.
“At MDHS, we emphasise mental health checks with our ‘hello test,’ which encourages staff to notice subtle changes in behaviour,” said Mrs. Allan.
“It’s crucial that we not only ask ‘Are you okay?’ but also take the time to listen, even when someone seems outwardly happy, as they could be hiding deeper concerns.”
Sam’s heartfelt talk, shared live with staff across the health service, left few dry eyes in the room. His visit followed RUOK? BBQs at the Avoca and Dunolly campuses, offering staff the chance to connect and support one another.
The local RUOK? Day initiative is part of MDHS’s WISH committee’s ongoing efforts to enhance staff wellbeing.
“This visit from Sam has been a true highlight, inspiring staff while reinforcing the need for open, compassionate conversations around mental health,” said Mrs. Allan.
“It was a true honour to hear Sam speak and engage with staff and patients. If you ever have the pleasure to meet Sam, ask him to tell you about the man from Gunnedah.”
About Samuel Johnson OAM
Samuel Johnson OAM, known for his Gold Logie-winning portrayal of Molly Meldrum, is the co-founder of Love Your Sister, a charity dedicated to fighting cancer.
Following his sister Connie’s cancer diagnosis, Samuel unicycled over 15,000 kilometres across Australia to raise funds, helping to collect nearly $20 million for cancer research.
His relentless efforts continue to raise awareness and encourage early cancer detection, making him one of the nation’s most passionate health advocates.