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Five CFA brigades in Melbourne's outer northwest have taken to the football field to challenge local umpires to help fundraise and raise awareness in the annual Mental Health Cup.
Brigade members from Hoppers Crossing, Werribee, Truganina, Wyndham Vale and Point Cook swapped their yellows for guernseys at Avalon Airport Oval on Sunday (21 September).
As a long-standing tradition spanning 17 years, Hoppers Crossing Fire Brigade Captain Paul DiMartino said the proceeds from the last ten games have proudly gone toward a wide range of mental health organisations.
"As someone with hats in both camps, as a firefighter and an umpire in the Western Football League, I thought it would be a great opportunity to all come together," Paul said.
"Once a footy season finishes, often the umpires themselves have a celebratory night which then flows into a mock game the next day for a bit of a fun run around.
"I started arranging and supporting that and thought why not get the firies involved. For those who are a firefighter and an umpire, it is not uncommon for your mental health to be impacted at some point in time.
"In both cases, it's not easy and a lot of stress comes with it, so if we can support someone further, then great, and that extends beyond those professions too."
Former Western Bulldogs AFL Premiership player Tom Boyd was a guest speaker on the day and spent his time mingling with the locals during the footy before chatting to them throughout a Q&A session post-game.
Tom put Paul in touch with Reclink as the lead foundation for the day, with all money raised going towards their programs that help to achieve better physical and mental health and greater social inclusion in Victorian communities.
Paul said while raising money is one thing for the chosen foundation, it is the awareness raised that they are most passionate about.
"There is obviously a stigma around mental health, and we want to help people feel comfortable to communicate their feelings," Paul said.
"We know there are still a number of people in our community who know they can reach out for help but are not there yet.
"It's just continuing to reiterate the importance of checking on people, and them knowing support is there, whether that is a friend, chaplain, psychologist, or counsellor, and that what they can offer is better than not talking to anybody. We've lost too many people too soon."
Paul said the door is open for anyone over 16 to play, with no experience required and thanks all players, officials, supporters and sponsors for making this special day possible every year.
"Some firies are just pulling on the boots for the first time for the fun of it, while some have played before." Paul said.
"In some games we've had both men and women play, and one of our best players in recent years was the daughter of one of the firefighters who was 17.
"This year, the umpires had the last laugh and took out the game by 20 points."
