Broken Hill’s frontline emergency services teams made the city a little brighter this week when they got together for a fun colour run at Sturt Park to show their support for each other, and to remember colleagues who are dealing with mental health issues or who have ended their lives too soon.
Broken Hill’s Barrier Police Superintendent, David Cooper, and District Manager, Terresa Brogan, supported local Police Youth Liaison Officer (YLO), Kylie Horner, to organise the colour run.
“I created a 12-week fitness challenge at the start of the year to raise awareness around Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), mental health and wellbeing within the police service, and I thought a colour run and tug-of-war event would be a fun way to raise money for NSW Police Legacy,” said Constable Horner.
“And then I thought it would be great to invite other emergency services staff – police, fire and rescue, ambulance, and corrections crews – to come together for some fun, since we generally only ever meet when there’s an emergency situation unfolding,” she said.
“During a one hour walk around Sturt Park, we all took time to remember past and present colleagues across the services who are going through mental health challenges at the moment, and those who have lost their lives due to mental health issues.
“The idea was to remember those people we’re close to, and to join together to build rapport across the services,” she said.
“We all attend challenging situations as part of our day-to-day jobs and things can get heated, so coming together to build connections boosts morale within the various services, which helps us all to feel supported by each other when the pressure is on at work.
“We did the hour walk today, followed by a group photo, and then a tug-of-war challenge with Police versus Firies, followed by Firies versus Corrections, and then Police versus Corrections… and the Corrections crew were the ultimate winners!” she laughed.
“We invited everyone to come back to the police station for a barbeque, which was a great ending to a really fun event that may help emergency service staff realise we always have each other’s wellbeing at heart at the end of the day, as well as a reminder to reach out if ever feeling overwhelmed by their role,” said Constable Horner.
