In 2019, the Western Australian Country Football League (WACFL) entered a partnership with Healthway to promote the Mental Health Commission’s (MHC) Think Mental Health campaign to support a comprehensive approach to improve mental health and wellbeing outcomes in regional communities. As the hub of the community, country football clubs have been identified as prime settings to deliver health initiatives, as the opportunity to connect with players, volunteers or spectators is proven to have a positive impact on the physical and mental health of individuals within the regional community.

Over the next three years (2022-2024), the WACFL's Community Development Program will continue to provide education and support to 25 Senior Leagues, over 150 Country Clubs, 12,500 players, and 5,000 volunteers across the state-wide network. League and club administrators, players, spectators and volunteers will be upskilled in a range of activities believed to influence positive mental wellbeing in regional communities and support positive culture amongst country football clubs.

Through the WA Country Football Leagues’ (WACFL) premier partnership with Healthway, promoting the Think Mental Health Campaign and key messages, one of these important initiatives is the Think Mental Health Round. For the first time this year, both the WACFL and West Australian Football League (WAFL) will come together across the State to promote mental health awareness through the Think Mental Health Round. The Round will be held over the 23rd and 24th of July 2022, providing a large platform to support mental health and wellbeing and reduce the stigma around mental illness.

The WACFL’s Think Mental Health partnership key messages are;
• …before it all gets too much… Talk to a Mate®, or someone you care about;
• Talking and listening are powerful; and
• Mental health issues can affect anyone. It may be difficult at first but talking can help.

The embracement, enthusiasm and promotion of the Think Mental Health campaign and key messages since the partnership commenced in 2019 has allowed this initiative to grow and reach a greater audience in 2022.

The WACFL would like to thank all WACFL Leagues, Clubs and volunteers for their ongoing promotion of the key messages and contribution to raising awareness and reducing stigma around mental illness across the State and look forward to enhancing the support over the next three years and beyond.

For more information or support, please visit https://www.thinkmentalhealthwa.com.au/.