The WA Country Football League are excited to share the announcement of a new three-year $855,000 partnership with Premier Partner, Healthway. This partnership will also be supported by the Department of Justice, the Mental Health Commission, The University of Western Australia’s Young Lives Matter Foundation and Regional Men’s Health.

The embracement, enthusiasm and promotion of the ‘Think Mental Health’ campaign over the initial three years of the Healthway partnership has been a real highlight. The WACFL would like to thank all WACFL Leagues, Clubs and volunteers for their contribution to ensure the partnership can continue for another three years.

The new three-year partnership will provide opportunities to build mental health and wellbeing across regional WA, through enhancing club environments, reducing stigma associated with mental health issues and providing relevant information, education and training.

The program will be rolled out across the 25 Country Football Leagues from the Kimberley to Esperance engaging around 130,000 West Australians.

Comments attributed to Tom Bottrell, Executive Manager Country Football, Affiliates & Facilities:

“We are extremely grateful to Healthway for believing so strongly in our partnership and the great work that’s been done over the last three years.”

“The Think Mental Health brand is now well embedded in the regional football landscape, and we look forward to help building the capacity of the people within the regions in which we operate, so that Welfare Champions are developed to support locals in need.”

Comments attributed to John Shadbolt, President of the WA Country Football League:

“To the team at Healthway, on behalf of the WACFL Board and our networks, I want to thank you for continuing our partnership for at least the next three years. Having been involved in Country Football for many decades, I am proud to see the WACFL become a vehicle to carry the important Mental Health messages.”

“Football is a wonderful connector of communities so there is always a friendly face within your club that you can lean on in a time of need.”

“We encourage everyone to Check in on a Mate, or someone you care about if they’re not going so well.”

For more information visit https://www.thinkmentalhealthwa.com.au/ or email wacountry@wafc.com.au.