It’s time to check in with the region’s local truck drivers, according to local charity organiser Adam Smith.

Mr Smith said truckies were doing it tough at the moment, with regular COVID-19 tests and negative publicity surrounding interstate drivers visiting SA while infectious causing stress in the industry.

This has prompted Mr Smith to host a mental health check in for drivers, promising a casual catch up for those in the industry.

“We have organised a get together for all truck drivers and are encouraging them to come along with their families,” he said.

“We wanted to reach out to the truck drivers and their families and let them know it’s not weak to speak.

“As we all know drivers are mainly men who are known not to express their feelings, so we are hoping we can turn the corner and give them an opportunity to voice their opinions.”

Mr Smith said a family-friendly barbecue would be held at Mount Gambier Beaurepaires on Jubilee Highway West at 4pm on Saturday.

“Representatives from Headspace Mount Gambier and Lifeboat SE will be there on the day to have a chat and offer any advice to those who may need it,” he said.

“We live in such a great community and we really want our truckies to know they are valued and supported.

“Once we have had a barbecue and a chat we are going to head off along Commercial Street about 6pm in a convoy to bring a bit of joy to the community.”

Mr Smith said he had received many generous donations for the event, including those from Collins Court Butchers, the OK Pie Shop, Beaurepaires, The Truck Factory, Adelaide Truck Towing, Prestige Truck Detailing, Daimler Trucks Mount Gambier, Wayne Gutschmidt, Grant and Nicole White.