This episode of Roses Radio we chat with Les Johnston the “Gunnado Cowboy” Les is a real salt of the earth, old fashioned, quiet achiever. During the 2011 floods in Queensland, Les and his wife found themselves at the heart of the recovery effort for the town of Grantham, significantly impacted by the flood waters, with many lives lost. Coordinating the relief effort and volunteers became a full time job and Les rose to the challenge by taking long service leave to support his community and his family. Such was the workload and the emotion associated with this tragedy, Les began to feel a sense of detachment and isolation from the ones he loved. This culminated in the return of depression and suicidal ideation. Les’s wife, who was leading the relief effort, was the one who spotted his failing mental wellbeing and got him to help. Les talks about the road to recovery and the important part loved ones and friends played in his return to health, along with the struggles he still faces. Les has returned to teaching and is using his experience and insight to guide the next generation of tradesmen and women and has become an active suicide prevention champion. This is an inspiring story of a true local hero and pillar of the community.

Roses Radio is a podcast series of open and frank discussions with courageous people who have a lived experience of suicide. We hope the conversations help those who are trying to understand suicide and for many, to understand their own experience. Join us today for a deeply personal and sometimes confronting journey that we hope will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted.