FORMER FIFO WORKER DEDICATES HIS 4000 KM+ BIKE RIDE IN DEDICATION TO 2 SUICIDED MATES
(Source: Facebook) Sam Hines pictured left is riding to Darwin with a friend.
Rolling into Derby with his bike harness broken, this week, Sam Hines called in from a post office awaiting to get his saddle replaced.
“It’s the first time I’ve had any drama’s so to speak”.
The 46-year-old Margaret River man is a keen long-distance cyclist on his longest trip from Prevelly to Manly in Sydney. 6500 kilometers for Starlight Foundation.
Hines will be driving from Augusta in the south to Darwin (Source: Mapcreator)
“I’ve always been into reading and watching movies about travel.
Sam Hines started cycling because of his love of adventure.
No stranger to the Pilbara, he started cycling after leaving his FIFO work career in Onslow where he worked on Barrow Island.
Now, the 46-year-old long-distance biker is undertaking the two-month journey from Augusta in Western Australia’s south to Darwin in the Northern Territory.
While it was not his longest trip- that being a trip across the Nullabor- Hines said this trip has brought its own challenges.
But this bike ride for Mr. Hines is deeper.
After the suicide of two of his close friends, Mr. Hines wanted to donate money to those who Beyond Blue, a mental health organisation for those who experience depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
“It’s something that’s close to my heart, and it’s affecting lots and lots of people out there from all walks of life”.
He said traveling through the Pilbara and Kimberley he has come into contact with a lot of Indigenous communities.
FIFO MENTAL HEALTH
Working on Barrow Island for 4 years, Hines said the pressure of the work on Barrow Island causes some to suicide.
The swing was 26 days on and 9 off.
“Big money but it put a lot of pressure on families”.
Research by transformative work design found that FIFO workers experience higher levels of psychological distress and more frequent psychological distress.
Findings say relationships are a major indicator for wellbeing (Source: Transformative Work Desgin)
Hines said many people would rack up big debts which would lead them to
“They weren’t really advised how to spend the money”,
Hines says that news about suicides was common in the FIFO industry.
Sam has currently ridden around 3000km
“[Mining companies] are more aware of it. We obviously have drug and alcohol tests, but I’ll be honest with you I don’t ever recall anyone coming and telling us, are you able to cope being away from your family?”
You can donate to fundraise to Sam Hine’s cause at The Long Way Up.
If this article has raised any issues for you, please call or visit the resources below:
1800 RESPECT – 1800 737 732, https://www.1800respect.org.au/
Spartan First Suicide Prevention Crisis Line – 1800 370 747
Lifeline – 13 11 14,org.au
Sexual assault helplines for your State or Territory – https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/sexual-assault-and-abuse-helplines