It makes sad reading… but suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians between the ages of 15 and 44.
That’s why rugby league great Greg Inglis will this weekend lead a powerful new mental health campaign Stick With It, which also takes in the inaugural NRLW Magic Round in Newcastle.
And, it all starts with transforming a simple piece of sports tape into a national symbol of resilience.
Launched by Inglis’ Goanna Academy – Australia’s first Indigenous-owned, accredited mental health education provider, the crusade hopes to raise $500,000 to fund life-saving programs in schools and regional areas.
Across the country, footy stars, fans and entire communities will wrap tape around their wrists to show solidarity with those facing mental health challenges.
Inglis also boasts an impressive stable of ambassadors, from 31 July to 4 August, including Ryan Pappenhuyzen, Cameron Munster, Josh Papalii, Adam Reynolds, Cody Walker, Api Koroisau, Damien Cook, Jamal Fogarty, Jahrome Hughes, AJ Brimson, Jayden Campbell, Joe Tapine, Kurt Capewell, Kennedy Cherrington, Olivia Kernick, Ali Brigginshaw, Tamika Upton, Teagan Berry, Jesse Southwell, Gayle Broughton, Julia Robinson, Jaime Chapman, Yasmin Clydsdale, Abbi Church, Taneka Todhunter, Rory Owen, Leianne Tufuga, Zahara Temara, Jakiya Whitfield, Zali Hopkins, Tayla Preston, Jess Elliston, Quincy Dodd and Mahalia Murphy.
“This campaign couldn’t be more urgent,” he said.
“The statistics are frightening.
“Suicide is the leading cause of death for Aussies between the ages of 15 and 44, especially males aged 18-to-44.
“It’s also the leading cause of death for young Australians aged 15-to-24 – a 68% increase in the past 15 years – and twice as likely in Indigenous and regional communities.
“So, Stick With It is a visual reminder to all of us to not only stick with your own mental health, but to stick by others who might need it too.
“Something as little as $20 can change a life.”
For the weekend itself, Inglis will be on-site at McDonald Jones Stadium all-day on Saturday, along with Knights duo Southwell and Clydsdale.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” he said.
“Magic Round is a great concept for the women’s game… you only have to witness how popular – and successful – the men’s version is.
“I’m sure the Hunter will support it just as strongly, given Newcastle’s a rugby league heartland.
“So, we’ll have a big presence of Stick With It at McDonald Jones Stadium to coincide with the footy and fun.”
CALL TO ACTION
- Donate today: goannaacademy.org.au
- $20 can change a life
- Shop Stick with It Merch (hats, stickers, and T-Shirts and tape): www.goannaacademy.org.au/stick-with-it — all proceeds go directly to Goanna Academy
- Help raise $500,000 to expand vital mental health programs
- Join the conversation: #StickWithIt
If you or someone you know is struggling, contact:
- Lifeline – 13 11 14
- 13YARN (First Nations support) – 13 92 76
- Headspace – headspace.org.au
- Kids Helpline (ages 5–25) – 1800 55 1800
- Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636
- NSW Mental Health Line – 1800 011 511
- Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
2025 NRLW Magic Round
McDonald Jones Stadium – 2 and 3 August
Saturday 2 August
- 12.15pm: Gold Coast Titans v Canterbury Bulldogs
- 2.15pm: Wests Tigers v Sydney Roosters
- 4.15pm: Brisbane Broncos v Cronulla Sharks
Sunday 3 August
- 11.50am: North Queensland Cowboys v New Zealand Warriors
- 1.45pm: Newcastle Knights v Canberra Raiders
- 3.45pm: Parramatta Eels v St George Illawarra Dragons
For more community stories:
- NRLW Magic Round to shine a light on Breast Cancer Trials
- Medowie student’s art chosen for major M1 project
- Local TAFE graduates hit the big leagues in film
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