Drysdale Football Netball Club’s wellbeing committee plays a crucial role in determining the direction and values the club places on mental health, according to vice president Jessica Case.
Case, the 2024 winner of the Tackle Your Feelings Community Champion award, has been a central figure in Drysdale’s focus on the mental health of its playing group and wider club.
“The wellbeing committee is there to support the bigger picture of the club and the club’s values and if we’re creating a safe environment then the wellbeing committee is doing a really good job,” Case said.
The award, which was established in 2023, is designed to highlight the outstanding work of individuals across Australia who have played a significant role in promoting mental health initiatives within their community sporting clubs.
Among her list of initiatives, Jess played an integral role in securing funding for mental health first aid training for club volunteers; she was a driving force behind the promotion of the local “Hands Up Cup” round designed to raise awareness of mental health; she led the support and encouraged participation in the Ryan Gatgens Memorial Round and subsequent golf day (a legacy celebration of a club champion who died due to suicide), as well as championing the advocacy of women in sport and driving important road safety measures inside the club.
Above all, Jess has helped to foster a strong sense of community and belonging, making the club a positive space for everyone.
Need Support? If you know someone who requires urgent assistance or support, please contact:
Suicide call back service: 1300 659 467
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
Emergency: 000