Veteran truckie and NHVR urge drivers to prioritise their physical and mental health ahead of Men’s Health Week

09-06-2026

NHVR urges drivers to prioritise their physical and mental health ahead of Men’s Health Week. 

In a new episode of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s (NHVR) What’s Your 20? podcast, veteran truck driver Damien Black talks candidly about his struggles with physical and mental health and how the long-haul lifestyle made it difficult to change his habits.  

Airing ahead of Men’s Health Week later this month, the must-listen episode explores the many challenges heavy vehicle drivers face when trying to maintain good mental health and how positive physical health habits can help.  

NHVR Chief Operations Officer Paul Salvati said the timing of the episode in the lead up to Men’s Health Week was perfect given the predominantly male workforce in the heavy vehicle industry. 

“We know that 98% of truck drivers are male and data shows men have a shorter life expectancy than women and die more often from preventable causes,” Mr Salvati said. 

“Working as a truck driver presents unique challenges to physical and mental health – factors like disrupted sleep schedules, isolation from family and friends, limited access to health food choices all take a toll. 

“We hope all men working in the heavy vehicle industry get something out of listening to Damien’s first-hand account of how he hit rock bottom with his health and managed to turn things around so inspiringly.”  

In the episode, Damien shares that at his lowest point he weighed in at 116 kilograms, was struggling with his mental health, and not able to see a way forward in his life.  

Fast forward and Damien is running Ironman races and sharing health and cooking tips on his social media channels to show truckies everywhere that the journey to change your life starts with a first step. 

And while Damien now stands as an inspiration for anyone wanting to improve their mental and physical health, he admits it was not an easy, or fast, journey.  

“Unfortunately, (after taking that first step) I yoyoed in my health and I’d lose weight, put it on and I’d pretty much fallen off the wagon just prior to being 40,” he said. 

“I hated waking up every day the way I was but at the time I couldn’t find my way out – but I did find my way out and I’ve never looked back.” 

What’s Your 20? hosts Sarah and Rob also discuss challenges like isolation, poor diet, lackof exercise, job insecurity and financial stress as they sharetheir own experience and offerpractical tips on how to make positive change.  

But while the challenges may seem insurmountable, Damien stresses that recognising there is an issue is the first step to positive change. 

“Never give up trying to improve every day. Something is better than nothing always – do something consistently and if that doesn’t stick try something else,” he said. 

The NHVR has resources to help organisations ensure they are taking the necessary steps to manage the physical and mental health of their teams here.  

Other resources to improve the physical and mental health of workers in the heavy vehicle and associated industries can be found at: 

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health and needs urgent support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.