July 01, 2025
by Kim Trengove
In regional Western Australia, local football clubs are doing more than just chasing premiership glory – they’re leading a powerful push to change the conversation around mental health
With the backing of the Cook Government and through Healthway’s Think Mental Health initiative, WA Football has received a $960,000 boost to continue its mental health and wellbeing efforts through to 2027. The renewed partnership is helping footy clubs across the state run initiatives that bring mental wellbeing into sharper focus – particularly among men in regional communities, where isolation and stigma can often compound mental health struggles.
In Geraldton, at Railways Football Club, head trainer Grant Russell is spearheading efforts to promote suicide prevention after losing close mates — including within his own club — to suicide.
“I totally understand how you can feel lost in the darkness and think, ‘Where do I go next?'” Russell told ABC News. As part of the club’s mental health round, players and umpires now wear blue armbands to raise awareness.
Not far from Geraldton, Northampton Rams Football Club is also turning awareness into action, seeking out guest speakers to connect with players and encourage open conversations, reminding them that it’s okay to not feel okay.
“I know that [can be a] throwaway line that all campaigns use, but it is OK,” said Rams club president Anthony Jupp. “I definitely think coming from the country it’s more about the isolation and thinking no-one’s there to help them.”
This regional leadership is prompting calls for a national rollout of mental health-themed rounds. Great Northern Football League president Carrissa Bellottie believes this kind of awareness shouldn’t be limited by postcode. “Mental health rounds should be run at a national level,” she said.
Support is also growing through programs like Tackle Your Feelings, a free training initiative that gives community AFL coaches the tools to recognise and respond to signs of mental ill-health. Delivered through a collaboration between the AFL Coaches Association, the AFL Players’ Association, and funded by the Zurich Foundation, the program is being rolled out by Country Footy WA.
“So that no matter who you are, there’s some sort of mental health program that you can reach out to at any given time,” Bellottie said.
In addition to mental health education and training, community clubs are also hosting “Talk to a Mate” BBQs — informal, grassroots events that aim to break down barriers and get conversations started in trusted, familiar environments.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Sport and Recreation, Rita Saffioti, welcomed the extension of the government’s support. “So many Western Australians have links to local football, whether they play, volunteer or support from the sideline — so this is a fantastic partnership and great way to generate awareness about this important issue,” she said.
