COMMUNITY NEWS

How's Ya Mate Round Encourages Sunraysia to Check In 

Lifeline Loddon Mallee is partnering with the Sunraysia Football and Netball League to encourage conversations about mental health during the How's Ya Mate Round on Saturday, 8 August. 

Lifeline staff and volunteers will be at all four home games in Robinvale, Ouyen, Imperial and Merbein this season, providing information, resources and support while encouraging players, volunteers and spectators to take a moment to ask a simple but important question: How's Ya Mate? 

In the lead-up to the round, Lifeline is visiting football and netball clubs across the league throughout late July and early August to deliver short presentations focused on mental health, wellbeing and the importance of looking out for one another. Each session will include a guest speaker sharing their lived experience, offering a powerful message of hope, resilience and recovery. 

As part of the program, club members will also complete a wellbeing survey to help identify the unique needs of each club. The survey findings will inform tailored mental health training opportunities that Lifeline will deliver to participating clubs early next year. 

The initiative recognises the important role sporting clubs play in fostering connection and belonging within regional communities. A club community extends far beyond the players and coaches, it includes parents, family members, friends, retired players, canteen volunteers, committee members and everyone who enjoys being part of the game day atmosphere. Research shows that strong social connections and participation in community sport can have a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing, making local clubs an ideal place to encourage conversations and reduce stigma around mental health. 

"Our local sporting clubs are more than just places to play football and netball, they're places where friendships are built, people feel connected, and communities come together," said Lifeline Loddon Mallee Community Engagement Officer, Bec Boin. 

"The How's Ya Mate campaign is about reminding us that a simple conversation can make a real difference. By taking the time to check in with a teammate, volunteer or friend, we can help create clubs where everyone feels supported and knows they don't have to face life's challenges alone." 

The How's Ya Mate conversation is simply an incidental enquiry about how someone you care about is going in a world full of pressure, nothing more, nothing less. This simple conversation could be the difference between someone feeling seen and heard, and someone feeling very alone. 

Be the difference this season. Ask after ya mates.