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Russell Northe to co-host 'Tee-Up for Mental Health' Golf Day at Traralgon Golf Club

Member for Morwell Russell Northe has spoken of his pride and support of a "Tee-Up for Mental Health."

By news@gippsland - 19th November 2021 - Back to News

Member for Morwell Russell Northe has spoken of his pride and support of a "Tee-Up for Mental Health" Golf Day he is co-hosting alongside the Rotary Club of Traralgon this Sunday at the Traralgon Golf Club.

The purpose of the day is to raise funds for Lifeline Gippsland in its suicide prevention programs and to also assist the Rotary Club of Traralgon to provide mental health first-aid training in the region

Raising awareness

As well promoting and raising awareness around the great work ACSO does in supporting individuals and families battling:

• Mental health
• Drug addiction
• Alcohol addictions

Mr Northe commenced, "Lifeline, ACSO, Talking Mental Health and the Rotary Club of Traralgon have been doing some amazing work in our community in difficult areas such as suicide prevention, mental health, drugs and alcohol and I really wanted to say thank you and one way we could show our collective appreciation was by having a golf day fund-raiser."

Relying upon alternative fundraising initiatives

Mr Northe said, "The goodwill that we have received from businesses and the community more broadly has been overwhelming with the golf field at capacity and sponsorships being taken up at a rapid rate. Organisations such as Lifeline rely upon alternative fundraising initiatives to support their programs, given Government funding only makes up about 12% of their total revenue."

So hopefully we can make a positive difference to this incredible organisation who in turn help people who are in crisis. The reality is Lifeline saves lives and we want to enable the amazing staff and volunteers at Lifeline to be and feel supported", Mr Northe continued.

Removing stigma associated with addiction

Lifeline Gippsland CEO Michelle Possingham said, "The Tee-Up for Mental Health Golf Day will enable Lifeline Gippsland and our incredible staff and volunteers to respond to people who are in crisis. Thank you to everyone who has contributed toward the running of this event and subsequently for your support of our organisation".

ACSO have established a strong base in the Latrobe Valley region and provide guidance and support to individuals and families contending with drug, alcohol and mental health issues.

"We know the links between poor mental health and associated behaviours are real, and this can lead to drug, alcohol and gambling problems and we see the Tee-Up for Mental Health golf day as a way to promote our services and to remove some of the stigma associated with addictive behaviours" said ACSO Team Leader Charlotte Anderson.

Working with mental health team

The Rotary Club of Traralgon have been working with the Talking Mental Health team in delivering Mental Health First-Aid training across the Gippsland region and despite there being some interruptions due the COVID-19 restrictions the program has been very popular.

Ann Hamden from Talking Mental Health said, "Participants in our Mental Health First Aid course learn about the signs and symptoms of the common and disabling mental health problems, how to provide initial help, where and how to get professional help, what sort of help has been shown by research to be effective, and how to provide first aid in a crisis situation."

"We have been pleased to partner with the Rotary Club of Traralgon to deliver these important services across Gippsland and funds raised from the TeeUp for Mental Health Golf Day will allow even more courses to be delivered which is just fantastic". Ms Hamdem said.

Overwhelmed by the generosity and goodwill

Chris Elliott from the Gippsland Motor Group (GMG) who are the naming rights sponsor of the event said, "GMG is thrilled to be part of this event again in 2021. As a proud, long established business in the Gippsland region we are proud to support local organisations who in turn help members of our community in their time of need and that's precisely what Rotary, Lifeline, Talking Mental Health and ACSO do" Mr Elliott said.

"I am pleased to be able to co-host this event again in 2021 and as mentioned we have been overwhelmed by the generosity and goodwill from people and businesses right across the community, which will make a positive difference to such amazing organisations who do such critical work" Mr Northe concluded.

Pictures from Traralgon Rotary Club Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com