The Australian actor and producer is also the ambassador for R U OK? Day and has led a series of talks in the lead up to the national day on September 14. 

“I lost my best friend to suicide and it rocked me,” he said at the public talk. “I wondered if there was something I could have done or said to make an impact.”

The ambassador also shared his experience as a problem gambler and drug addict.

“I didn’t feel I was good enough so I had to add something to make me OK,” he said. “For me, it takes incredible strength to come out and say you’re struggling.”

Mr Bastoni has spoken to Mulwaree High School, Crookwell High School, Goulburn High School and Trinity High School students and also led a public talk in St Saviour’s Hall on Thursday night. 

The message, ask, listen, encourage action and check in, are the four R U OK? Day steps and what Mr Bastoni described as effective early intervention.  

Mission Australia South Eastern NSW Area Manager Daniel Strickland, who travelled with the speaker for the past two days, said about 80 per cent of the crowd indicated that they were affected by suicide at one point in their life. 

“It showed how big this issue is and how it touches so many lives,” Mr Strickland said. “The message was well received and I think people were very receptive.

”While issues around suicide and self harm is complex, the message is simple.”

He said many students were open in sharing their personal experiences.

”I think it showed the benefits of holding these talks. Students were able to link up with teachers and counsellors, students the would have flown under the radar.”

The R U OK? Day events were organised with the combined support of Mission Australia, Anglicare, the Goulburn Mulwaree Council, headspace, the Youth and Wellbeing Network Group and Uniting Care.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, contact Lifeline’s 24 hour telephone crisis support line on 13 11 14.

Look through Steve’s time in Goulburn