Recognising World Mental Health Day

Today is World Mental Health Day.⁠
⁠
While playing sports and exercising, especially in a team, is known have positive mental health benefits, none of us are⁠ immune to mental health challenges⁠
⁠
It is important to address your everyday wellness rather than wait for a situation to reach crisis point and then intervene.⁠
⁠
That’s why we encourage everyone to start practicing the 26 mindful habits and look after your mental health developed by @aumentalhealth⁠
⁠
You can even register your health habits campaign online and participate as a group.⁠
⁠
Visit lookafteryourmentalhealthaustralia.org.au for registration, resources and information.

Recognising LGBT History Month

To mark LGBT History Month, we are reflecting on some of the challenges LGBT+ people have faced in sport, and the progress made towards strengthening the representation of LGBTQ+ community in sports. ⁠
⁠
While many athletes and activists have successfully challenged restrictive notions of sport to create a safe space for the LGBT+ community, there is still a long way to go.⁠
⁠
We hope that everyone at St Mary’s takes the time to educate themselves on LGBT+ History in sports, and that our club can be part of improving acceptance and participation of LGBT+ in the sporting community.⁠
⁠
LGBT+ support resources are available below.
⁠

St Mary’s scores big: $5k for promoting road safety!

We are excited to announce that once again we have secured funding from TAC Victoria and AFL Victoria as part of the Club Rewards Program.⁠
⁠
We know our players and supporters spend a lot of time on the road attending games and training, and we hope our campaign this year has helped make their journey’s more safe.⁠
⁠
Fiona Hocking, Club Vice President, shared how grateful the Club is for this vital support.⁠
⁠
“We are so pleased that our Club’s commitment to improving road safety has been recognised again by TAC Victoria this year.”⁠
⁠
“Local sporting clubs play a huge role in the community but require dedicated support and funding to keep going, and it’s organisations who understand this like TAC Victoria that give us the support we need through the Club Rewards Program.”⁠
⁠
“This $5,000 will be very helpful in assisting us to reach our 2023 goals, and we wish to pass on our sincere thanks to TAC Victoria, AFL Victoria, and all our players and supporters who have been part of the journey toward safer roads in our community.”⁠

Read the full media statement and view the list of recipients here.

2022 B&F Winners

It was fantastic to celebrate the 2022 season with all our players and supporters!

Please join us in congratulating our 2022 Best & Fairest Winners!

The top 10 from each section can be found on our Instagram and Facebook.

Netball
1st: Ciara Hanlon
2nd: Claire Nicholls
3rd: Josie Desmond

Women’s Football
1st: Jess Hardy
2nd: Sarah Johnston
3rd: Elyssa Rees
Coaches Award: Tomeeka Neil
Rising Star: Caitlin Kreuzeberger

Men’s Senior Football
1st: Nick Gedge
2nd: Tane Cotter
3rd: Bailey Leonard
Coaches Award: Huon MacGibbon
Rising Star: Lachy Read

Men’s Reserve Football
1st: Jake Halewood
2nd: Raygan Tate
3rd: Brad Danaher
Coaches Award: Marcus Taranto

U19s Football
1st: Ben Halewood
2nd: Patrick Tobin
3rd: James Poursanidis
Coaches Award: Parker Burns

Livio Basile Award (for club contribution): Jess & Troy Bickerton

2023 Coaching Applications Open

St Mary’s Senior Football and Netball Club is seeking enthusiastic individuals to apply for Senior coaching roles for the 2023 season!⁠
⁠
The following positions are available:⁠
– U19 Head Coach ⁠
– Development (Reserves) Coach ⁠
⁠
These roles require people who can demonstrate leadership, management and technical skill in developing players with a commitment to strive, improve and nurture talent.⁠
⁠
The successful candidates will demonstrate: ⁠
– A strong focus on player development, with a commitment to inspiring junior players to continue their football at St Mary’s ⁠
– Ability to create, implement structured training and development programs aligned with the Senior Coaching Staff⁠
– Ability to work collaboratively with all coaches, players, club staff, and key club stakeholders⁠
– Strong communication skills with a commitment to provide continuous feedback to players ⁠
⁠
The candidates must also meet the following requirements: ⁠
⁠
– AFL Level 1 Senior Coaching Accreditation (or willingness to obtain) ⁠
– Working With Children’s Check ⁠
– Ability to attend Tuesday and Thursday night training ⁠
– Ability to attend all matches (Saturday’s) ⁠
– Previous coaching experience is preferred but not essential.⁠
⁠
Please email applications and enquiries to gregh@tacticallabelstock.com.au by COB Friday 14 October.

Recognising R U OK? Day 2022

Today is R U OK? Day.

This year’s theme is ‘No qualifications needed’ and reminds all of us that we have what it takes to support our family and friends who may be struggling with life’s ups and downs.

This theme is in response to research that found four in ten Australians feel asking someone “are you OK?” is a conversation better had with an expert.

However, R U OK? want you to know you don’t need qualifications to have an R U OK? conversation.

Listening and giving someone your time might be just what they need to help them through.

Fiona Hocking, Vice President, shared the importance of R U OK? Day at a sporting club.

“Sporting clubs are a big part of the community, so it is important that we ensure everyone feels connected and supported.”

“We want our club to be a physically and emotionally safe environment built on trust and respect.”

“However, building that culture isn’t down to one person, it’s a team effort.”

“That’s why we encourage everyone to engage with the R U OK? resources and find the confidence to check in with someone in our community who may be doing it tough.”

“Whether you’re a supporter of our club, a player, or volunteer, everyone has a role to play in building an R U OK? culture.”

More information is available at ruok.org.au

Preparing for R U OK? Day

R U OK? Day is on Thursday 8 September.

R U OK? research has found four in ten Australians feel asking someone “are you OK?” is a conversation better had with an expert.

However, R U OK? want you to know you don’t need qualifications to have an R U OK? conversation. 

The work of health professionals is vital, and their value cannot be underestimated however we can all play a role in supporting the people in our world. 

You don’t need to be an expert to have an R U OK? conversation. Listening and giving someone your time might be just what they need to help them through.

Ask R U OK? No qualifications needed, because a conversation could change a life.

To ensure you are prepared to have a meaningful conversation on Thursday, we have put some of the most useful and relevant resources below:

Find more resources here.