Published: Tuesday, 4 June 2019 at 4:12:55 PM
AFL legends Robert DiPierdomenico and Jake Edwards will make their mark on Geraldton audiences this July as they share candid personal stories from their time on and off the field.
With the support of Mid West Ports Authority (MWPA), the former Carlton and Hawthorn greats will deliver the ‘Outside the Locker Room’ (OTLR) mental health program during two free community events in Geraldton on July 4.
Lifeline Australia statistics demonstrate that there are on average eight deaths by suicide in Australia each day with another 30 attempts for every death.
The OTLR program aims to raise awareness of mental health issues and was devised by Jake after his own personal struggles with anxiety and depression.
MWPA Chief Executive Dr Rochelle Macdonald said she had been moved by the program having already heard their stories first hand.
“Jake and Dipper speak very frankly about their own experiences with mental health,” she said.
“Their stories cover all aspects of resilience, perseverance and adversity.”
Following an educational workshop for secondary school students, a community event will be held at the Queens Park Theatre from 6pm.
The event is free, but Attendees will be asked to make a gold coin donation to headspace Geraldton on arrival.
Bookings are essential with tickets available through the Queens Park Theatre Box Office.
Dr Macdonald encouraged the community to help raise awareness about mental health issues and start a community conversation by attending the seminar.
“The Outside the Locker Room program is an opportunity for Geraldton to come together as a community and say mental health is important to us, and it’s ok to talk about openly,” she said.
“We’re so passionate about this message that we’re bringing Jake and Dipper into the Port to host a bloke’s brekky with our staff, prior to the community events.”
To secure your ticket to the community seminar, visit click here.
For more information on any of the events, please email [email protected]
If you need help or want to talk to someone, call Lifeline free 24/7 on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
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