Cricket legends, new and old, will team up with one of NSW’s leading rural mental health programs, to raise awareness aboutmental health in drought stricken communities across the State.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro and Minister for Mental Health Tanya Davies today announced theNSW Government will invest $120,000 and partner with cricket alumni group ‘Baggy Blues’ for their 2018-19 cricket tour.
“Cricket brings us together. These games will not only be great entertainment but an important avenue for our rural mental healthteams to deliver life-saving messages,” Mr Barilaro said.
“We are in the grip of the worst drought this State has seen in decades and the NSW Government will keep supporting affectedcommunities,” he said.
The 2018-19 ‘Baggy Blues Tour’ will visit Lismore next month, Dubbo in November, Griffith in December, and Bega in February nextyear.
Mrs Davies said the “Baggy Blues” have begun working with the Centre for Rural Remote Mental Health (CRRMH) to deliver amental health workshop, cricket clinics for budding sports stars and a celebrity cricket match for each town on the tour map.
“This is a timely opportunity for our Rural Adversity Mental Health Program team from CRRMH to reach members of the communitywho will flock to the popular Baggy Blues events,” Mrs Davies said.
“The passion and drive these sportsmen and women have to make a real difference to the mental health of people in our rural areasreally is admirable,” she said.
Earlier this month the NSW Government committed $6.3 million over two years to boost support for rural mental health. Part of thefunding will provide 20 new ‘farm gate’ counsellors and frontline mental health workers.
“We want people to check in with themselves, and those around them. If you notice changes in behaviour - reach out andencourage that person to take the first step and see their GP.”
