This week we’re celebrating National Volunteer Week 2022 — a time to recognise and say thank you to the many volunteers around Australia who dedicate their time to supporting organisations in need.
Our very own CEO Dr Peter Cock is an Ambassador for SafeWork NSW and has shared some insights about his experience in this volunteer position.
As a NSW Mentally Healthy Workplace Ambassador, representing the transport sector, my aim is to create real positive change for mental health in the workplace, and this is a volunteer opportunity I’m exceptionally proud of.
As well as raising awareness of the importance of workplace mental health by speaking at events and in the media, I also aim to reduce stigma by talking openly about mental health and being authentic about my own experiences through my own channels and with my own team.
I know from my own personal experience during Covid that the pressure of work, isolation, and home schooling had a negative impact on my mental health. I was able to share how I was feeling with both my team and the broader business, and this opened up space for people to acknowledge how the circumstances were impacting them, and to see that it was normal and ok. We had a real mantra about best endeavours and being kind to each other.
Through sharing strategies on how I prioritise my mental health and wellbeing, and that of my team, my goal is to encourage other leaders to follow suite and be inspired to create their own mentally healthy workplaces. Joining my fellow NSW Mentally Healthy Workplace Ambassadors to discuss how we can better work together to change the narrative about workplace mental health across a range of industries is one way we’re doing this.
As leaders, it’s our role to authentically embed wellbeing and mental health into all elements of the business. Not only do I have the opportunity to do this with my amazing Newcastle Airport team, my role as ambassador provides me with a fantastic opportunity to highlight the importance of providing mentally healthy workplaces more broadly. Employers play a significant role in supporting education, promoting compassion, and encouraging empathy to reduce the stigma often associated with mental health issues.
I’m incredibly proud to be a NSW Mentally Healthy Workplace Ambassador, and part of a group of passionate leaders who are making a difference in how workplaces support the mental health of their workers. If you want to find out more about the NSW Mentally Healthy Workplace Ambassador initiative you can take a look at the Mental health at work webpage.
This National Volunteer Week we are also recognising 14 years of the Newcastle Airport Ambassador Program. You can find out more about our passionate volunteer Ambassadors here - Newcastle Airport's Ambassadors celebrate 14 years this National Volunteer Week