Gold Coast advocate receives 2025 Conversation Leader award
Gold Coast rider Matt Hockings wins 2025 Conversation Leader after rides that sparked thousands of R U OK conversations.
What’s happening?
Gold Coast local Matt Hockings has been named the Conversation Leader at the 2025 Barbara Hocking Memorial Awards, hosted by R U OK?.
The awards recognise efforts across four categories, namely Workplace, Education, Community and Conversation Leader.
Why it matters
The judging panel recognised Mr Hockings for empowering people to connect and lend support when life is hard.
They cited his grassroots cycling campaigns, personal outreach, and unwavering commitment to the R U OK? message.
Local impact
Mr Hockings’ most recent ride covered 2,000km from the Gold Coast to Melbourne.
He visited workplaces and schools, sharing the R U OK? message and encouraging year round check-ins.
By the numbers
Over 4,000km cycled in four years across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.
Over $40,000 raised for R U OK? to support community conversations.
More than 6,000 R U OK? wristbands handed out in regional communities.
Zoom in
Mr Hockings’ journey began with a simple gesture, handing out R U OK? wristbands.
That act grew into annual cycling challenges that sparked conversations in towns including Boonah, Ballina, Coffs Harbour, Newcastle and Paynesville.
Locals welcomed him with community barbecues, school cheers and heartfelt stories.
In announcing the award, judging panellist and previous recipient James Maskey said:
“Matt Hockings lives the R U OK? message every day. His rides are more than physical challenges, they are journeys of connection, compassion, and courage. Through every wristband handed out and every conversation started, Matt reminds us that asking, ‘are you OK?’ is a conversation for any day, and that regular meaningful conversation really can, and do, change lives.”
On receiving the award, Mr Hockings shared what motivates him: “I stand here today as a father, a friend and a husband who has tried to shine a light on the battles of mental health,” shared Mr Hockings. “I don’t claim to know the science - that’s the work of dedicated researchers and experts whose efforts are invaluable. I’m just a dad who wants the best for his family. My daughter has faced challenges with addiction, and riding became my way to help break down the stigma.”
“Through my rides, I’ve encouraged others to embrace the R U OK? message every day. I’ve come to understand how vital it is to recognise the silence of those who are struggling. We must never let someone feel unseen simply because they haven’t spoken up. I want people to feel heard, supported, and safe to open up about whatever they’re facing. That’s what riding has always been about for me.
“Alongside my brother-in-law Mark, we’ve built something meaningful - a warm light in a dark room,” continued Mr Hockings. “While we can’t know everything, or help everyone, we can know a little more, and help a little more. I’d ride every day if it meant someone, somewhere, felt safe enough to answer truthfully when asked, ‘R U OK?’”
Zoom out
R U OK? CEO Katherine Newton reflected on the awards and this year’s recipients:
“Barbara Hocking’s legacy reminds us that change begins with compassion and connection,” said Ms Newton.
“The 2025 award recipients carry forward her mission to break down stigma, and create spaces where people feel confident to ask, ‘Are you OK?’ and importantly, those on the receiving end of the question are listened to without judgement.
“Importantly, award recipients champion the ‘Ask R U OK? Any Day’ message in their communities, with a strong focus on fostering regular conversations throughout the year. Their work is a powerful reminder that meaningful conversations can - and do - change lives.”
The Barbara Hocking Memorial Awards were first presented in 2019 in memory of the late Barbara Hocking OAM.
What to look for next
Details of all categories, finalists and winners for the 2025 Barbara Hocking Memorial Awards can be found at HERE.