focusinterview.
with Michelle Parker from Parker & Co Communications
LUKE ANDERSON
YOUTH AMBASSADOR
MID NORTH COAST
My Day
LIFELINE AUSTRALIA
6:00am Start my day with positive affirmations. I look out the window, appreciate nature and what I am grateful for.
S
adly, suicide is one of the most common causes of death in Australia. Almost eight people a day take their own life. Luke Anderson, the Mid North Coast Youth Ambassador for
the community. Luke is trying to break
Luke’s role at Lifeline involves talking
down these barriers and create awareness.
to high school students about his own
“Everyone always needs to be on the
experiences, creating awareness about
lookout for their family and friends. If you
suicide and educating everyone that there
notice someone is struggling, check in on
is always help available. Luke is often
him or her and ask a simple question, ‘are
Lifeline Australia, is working on reducing
you ok?’ It could potentially save their life.”
these alarming statistics. Luke has a desire
Luke has grown up in Port Macquarie
recognised locally and is often thanked by parents for talking at their children's school. When Luke finished high school 18 years
to help others and a
and loves the
heart of gold. Holding
community spirit
a strong moral belief in
of the area. He
“unconditional positive
has personally
primarily to direct and supervise the entire
experienced the
ship’s maintenance. The camaraderie,
love, kindness
teamwork and unity values learnt in the
and support of
Navy, Luke still upholds with pride every day.
regard for all human beings”, Luke is extremely passionate about loving and accepting everyone for who they are. Luke sadly lost his
I AM FOREVER HUMBLE TO HAVE A SECOND CHANCE AT LIFE.
mother to suicide when he was 19. “Suicide
the community.
“pirate life”, as he puts it. This involved working offshore in the oil and gas industry,
accident that left
where he held a range of specialised jobs.
him in a coma for
I hold extremely close to my heart,” Luke
four months.
Luke’s role with Lifeline is to change the
Luke left the Navy and continued a
had a motorbike
one week and intensive care for just over
Now, 15 years after his mum’s passing,
Navy as a Boatswain’s Mate. This role was
In 2015, Luke
prevention is something said.
ago, he enlisted in the Royal Australian
The accident caused a severe brain injury for Luke, and he had to learn the basics all over again. Learning to walk, talk and
Luke did this fly-in-fly-out lifestyle for a few years, giving him the luxury to travel the world. But for Luke, Port Macquarie is home, and in his role with Lifeline he is now giving back
culture of mental health in the community,
eat again was extremely challenging. Luke
to the community that has supported him.
and to work towards a world where no one
saw this as a second chance at life and is
If you, or someone you know, require
else has to go through the pain of losing a
forever grateful. Walking out of his accident
mental wellness advice or assistance, please
loved one to suicide.
alive was a crossroad moment for Luke and
contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Suicide is such a taboo topic within
helped him realise his purpose in life.
6:15am Make my bed and straight into my yoga room - 30 minute meditation, 1 hour of yin yoga. 8:00am Breakfast, the most important meal of the day. 8:30am My dog, Bruce, and I head to my good mate Dan and his fiancée Tash’s café Bandwagon for a coffee and catch up. 10:00am Bruce and I go for a walk and swim at the beach. We are blessed to have so many amazing beaches on our doorstep. 11:00am General administration time, checking emails and plan upcoming school talks. 11:30am Go into Lifeline office for meetings and to catch up with the amazing people I work with. 1:30pm Lunch time. 2:00pm Meet up with people who need help or support. I quite often get approached at the supermarket by people who want a chat. I’m always happy to listen and offer support where I can. 4:00pm Run errands for the afternoon. 7:00pm Down time. Read a book after dinner. I don’t do any technology (phone or TV) before bed. It’s important to rest the brain.I try to get at least eight hours’ sleep each night.
By Jessica Oxley. Greater Port Macquarie focus 53