New movement honours memory of good mates
“It’s okay to be not okay” is the message “The JD Movement” will spread at the Longwarry Hall during its first fundraising event on Sunday.
The JD Movement is named in memory of best mates John Millar and Damien Workman, both fathers of two, who committed suicide over a twoweek period in 2017.
Longwarry resident Kylie Millar, John’s sister, set up The JD Movement to act as a legacy and raise suicide prevention awareness. She hopes to remove the stigma surrounding mental health so it can be openly and freely spoken about in daily conversation.
“I want John and Damien to move everyone. I want John and Damien’s story to change your mind. I want John and Damien’s legacy to be that it’s okay not to be okay,” said Kylie.
Sunday’s fundraiser at the Longwarry Hall from 10am to 4pm will feature more than 20 market stalls to browse, free or low-cost children’s activities such as a bouncy castle, face painting, animal farm, unicorn pony and Frozen’s Anna and Elsa, live music, raffles and food.
A feature will be guest speakers organised by Beyond Blue, Matt Runnalls from Mindfull Aus, a counsellor and a table of brochures and information.
Entry is via donation with all funds to be split between two mental health charities selected by the mothers of John and Damian.
“Two mothers without sons, two fathers without sons, four sisters without brothers, four kids without a dad; every day is a struggle,” says Kylie on expressing the loss both families are feeling. “I wouldn’t wish this upon anyone; it’s a nightmare we can’t wake up from.”
Family rallied around John after his best mate Damien, aged 28 and living in Cranbourne, committed suicide.
“There was nothing we could say that could make it any better,” recalls Kylie. “We knew something was wrong (with John). We spent every minute with him. We did everything. But there was just something off about him.”
Despite this John, aged 32 from Narre Warren, declared he was okay. He wasn’t.
“It’s such a taboo thing. Nobody wants to admit they are struggling; nobody wants to ask for help.”
Kylie, a mother of three, is now seeking to get The JD Movement registered as a not-for-profit and believes this fundraiser is only the beginning of maintaining John and Damien’s legacy, raising awareness and simply helping people feel better about themselves.
“I feel talking, doing something about it, raising funding, helping others; that keeps me going. And my children keep me going.”
If you or anyone you know needs help, please contact: Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.