“In 2007, I joined ACON to establish the drug and alcohol program, and with it, I inherited the Rovers, a much-loved and already well-established initiative. Back then, the Rovers wore yellow fluoro vests, which looked a little too much like security uniforms. We needed to stand apart, visibly and culturally, from those roles, especially at community events.
One of the first events I attended was Shipwrecked, the inaugural cruise from Sydney. The Rovers did an extraordinary job on that cruise, keeping people safe and supported. The onboard medical staff even told us it was the best cruise they’d ever worked on with the fewest people needing medical attention.
Our daytime approach was simple and powerful: we mingled with the crowd, offering fruit platters, sunscreen, condoms, and most importantly, connection. Everyone was in great spirits. I was out on deck with my Rover buddy, chatting and checking in with people, when someone asked me, “What would it take for you to stand here and hand-feed me grapes?” I laughed and replied, “A donation to help us buy 30 hot pink high-vis Rover vests!” Without missing a beat, he said, “Done!”
So, there I stood, hand-feeding grapes to this generous man, laughing at the absurdity and joy of it all. I wasn’t sure if the promise would hold once we were back on land and true to his word, he followed up with me and paid for a seamstress to make a full set of fluoro pink Rover vests. They were brilliant and helped us stand out in all the right ways.
Being a Rover is about personal connection, being present, approachable, and trusted, no matter the venue and being focused on keeping people safe. It’s a life-saving program, no question and its cost-saving as every person supported by a Rover is one less person needing emergency medical care. Rovers are trained to spot when someone’s starting to feel unwell and can intervene early, often preventing things from escalating. People feel safe sitting with a Rover, and that’s powerful.
ACON can be incredibly proud of the Rover program and the people who make it what it is. It’s a shining example of how our communities come together to care for one another, something we’ve always done, and continue to do, so well. It was a privilege to work with the Rovers. They hold a very special place in my heart.”
– Nicky Bath
