Craig Membrey to place spotlight on non-for-profit organisation beyondblue at Hiab’s BTS stand.
Mental health will be on the agenda for Hiab at the Brisbane Truck Show with a dedicated media conference to be held on Friday, May 15 to discuss the work of national initiative beyondblue.
Senior executive vice president Hiab sales & markets Carl-Gustaf Goransson’s visit to the show will feature an introduction of Craig Membrey, managing director of Membrey’s Transport and Crane Hire, to discuss the beyondblue organisation and the important role it plays in society.
It will be the first year Hiab has supported the organisation and marketing manager Nicola Anderson says the company will be making a donation to highlight the contribution beyondblue makes to men’s health.
“Giving back to society is a key value for Hiab and this year we have chosen to support beyondblue,” Anderson says.
“We recognise the important work they do and understand that male depression, suicide and anxiety are issues that face many people in our industry.”
“Craig has been personally touched by these issues and as an ambassador for beyondblue and well-respected and successful business owner in the industry, Hiab are very proud that he has agreed to speak at our media conference about these important issues.”
Membrey has been a strong supporter of beyondblue since discovering the non-for-profit organisation in the wake of his son, Rowan, taking his own life in 2011.
The Melbourne-based Membrey struck up a relationship with long-serving campaigner Jeff Kennett at the time and together they covered a Kenworth T904 with a pictorial history of Rowan.
Speaking with Owner//Driver in 2012, Membrey recalled asking Kennett why the organisation didn’t have the public profile it deserved.
“BeyondBlue has no financial backing. Everything that we can do will help this worthy organisation,” Membrey explained three years ago.
“I can’t change the world and I can’t bring my son back, but if I can help save one life, that is my goal. Life is too short and I am thankful that Jeff made it happen.
“We need to get the message out and the Kenworth is our tool to do that.”
Three years on, Membrey will continue to get the message out at the Brisbane Truck Show in May.
“I urge people to pop down to the stand to listen to Craig speak as I promise you when you listen to Craig speak on these important issues it is very hard not to be moved,” Anderson says.
Hiab’s stall will also feature the company’s new T-series range, the XR 26Z universal hooklift and a crane simulator for show goers.