Thousands of Tasmanians are being urged to brave the cold and wear shorts this Friday, with the annual mental health campaign shifting its focus toward creating safe spaces for honest conversations.
Shorts Day, now in its sixth year, invites workplaces, schools, sporting clubs and communities to show some leg as a way of encouraging people to have mental health conversations.
This year, the campaign run by SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY is asking Tasmanians to think less about whether they are having conversations and more about whether the spaces around them make people feel safe enough to open up.
Founder Mitch McPherson said awareness of mental health has grown significantly, but creating the right conditions for meaningful conversations remains a major challenge.
“For years, we’ve encouraged people to ask the question, check in, and start the conversation, that message still matters deeply, but what we’ve learned is that conversations about mental health don’t happen simply because we ask them to,” McPherson said.
“They happen when people feel safe enough to answer honestly, when people feel supported, respected and free from judgement, conversations happen naturally. That’s what we’re focusing on this Shorts Day.”
He said mental health conversations are powerful because they create connection and reduce stigma, but they also require trust, time and the right environment.
“Sometimes the most powerful thing we can offer someone isn’t the perfect words. It’s a space where they feel ready to say their own,” he said.
RACT has returned as the major sponsor of the event.
RACT Group CEO Mark Mugnaioni said Tasmanians are known for looking out for one another.
“Most of us have experienced a tough day, tough week or tough time, and having someone take a moment to listen can mean more than we realise,” Mugnaioni said.
“We’re a small state and that closeness is one of our greatest strengths.”
“At the end of the day, it’s about making sure people feel seen, supported, and not alone.”
A free community event will be held in Hobart from 6am to 10am at the RACT car park on Murray Street, featuring a barbecue breakfast, free coffees, mental health resources, giveaways and family-friendly games.
Those wearing shorts or Shorts Day merchandise can enter a prize draw featuring a $1,000 gift card and RACT driving lesson packages.
More than 23,000 Tasmanians took part in Shorts Day last year, with organisers hoping for even bigger numbers this time around.
