- State Government continues partnership with WA Football through to 2027
- Partnership through Healthway supports mental health and wellbeing of the football community
- Think Mental Health Rounds put player mental health and wellbeing in the spotlight
The Cook Government is continuing its commitment to the mental health and wellbeing of the Western Australian football community by extending its Healthway partnership with WA Football until 2027.
A key focus of the partnership, worth $960,000 over two years, will be the delivery of initiatives such as Talk to a Mate BBQs, along with mental health education, training, and support across men's and women's football leagues.
As part of this, the Think Mental Health Round also returns to the football calendar this weekend, during Round 11 of the West Australian Football League and Round 12 of the West Australian Football League Women's.
These dedicated mental health rounds have become a key fixture in the metropolitan football calendar since 2022, following on from their success in country competitions.
Healthway's partnership with WA Football also support an expansion of the Footy Fundamentals program, which aims to improve the fundamental movement skills of children in their early years.
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti:
"It's important that we can all work together across the whole community to promote mental health and encourage people to speak up.
"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."
As stated by Mental Health Minister Meredith Hammat:
"Football clubs serve as powerful platforms and are uniquely positioned to encourage players, staff, members and fans to prioritise mental health and wellbeing.
"WA Football's upcoming Think Mental Health Rounds serve as a reminder of how important it is to check in and support one another, and make sure no one faces their struggles alone."
As stated by Preventative Health Minister Sabine Winton:
"Through Healthway's partnership with WA Football, we are equipping clubs with the tools and knowledge to champion mental health and wellbeing, build resilience and create stronger communities.
"Our government is committed to creating safe, connected spaces where people feel supported, valued, and empowered to seek help when they need it."
