WA's inaugural First Nations Tackle Your Feelings session was delivered to Mullewa Football Club in June 2025.  

The Tackle Your Feelings program is designed to work with senior football clubs with strong First Nations representation, to support knowledge building around mental health and wellbeing. 

The program, delivered by WA Football, with AFL legend and mental health specialist Michael Mitchell, was the first of its kind to be delivered in Western Australia.  

After multiple losses in the community through suicide, key community stakeholders looked to build strong support networks around the community to ensure their members were equipped with the skills to support their fellow teammates, community members and reach our for support when needed.  

Alongside Great Northern Football League, Geraldton Aboriginal Medical Service and Standby Support after Suicide through Anglicare WA, WA Football staff worked to open conversations around holistic and coordinated supports. 

Mitchell, who helped deliver the session, highlighted the need for long-term, consistent engagement with communities like Mullewa. 

“Mullewa have had a lot of struggles and haven't had a lot of consistent support,” said Mitchell. “The plan is to get them consistent support.” 

He stressed the unique power of football as a vehicle for change in First Nations communities. 

“Footy is such a key part of community and such a key part of Aboriginal communities especially. They take pride in it,” he said. 

“When you combine our footy history and mental health history, the messaging resonates really well. It was long overdue. They deserve as much support as anyone.” 

Mitchell also acknowledged that while support had been offered to the club in the past, much of it was not realistic or sustainable. This program, he believes, offers a more complete and culturally appropriate approach. 

Feedback from both the club and local community leaders was overwhelmingly positive. The session not only sparked important conversations but also empowered local leaders to take the reins in driving cultural change within the club. 

Daniel Murphy, Community Development Specialist at WA Football, emphasized the importance of community ownership. 

“The biggest thing was having the leaders drive the conversation and just stepping back and being able to support,” Murphy said. 

“It’s about providing the tools and resources using football as an opportunity to create a safe and positive environment. Our role is to support the leaders in whatever direction they want to take the club.” 

The success of the session has paved the way for ongoing collaboration between Mullewa and WA Football, with further programs anticipated in the near future.