Prime Minister Julia Gillard and the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler today paid tribute to founder of R U OK? Day Gavin Larkin who passed away on Wednesday afternoon.
The Gillard Government offers our condolences to Mr Larkin's wife Maryanne and children Gus, Josie and Van.
Under Mr Larkin's leadership, R U OK? Day has become a national day of action for suicide prevention in just two years.
Mr Larkin's unwavering passion and determination to give a national focus to suicide prevention has generated enormous community awareness of the role individuals can play to help reduce the tragedy of suicide.
Mr Larkin's work has ensured that many Australians, both at home and in the workplace, have received much needed help and saved many lives.
The success of R U OK? Day is testament to Mr Larkin's commitment to his vision that a conversation truly can change a life.