Tenterfield residents are being urged to start a meaningful conversation with friends, loved ones and colleagues, with the Bruce Binge Memorial Rugby League Team set to promote the RUOK? message when they visit Goondiwindi in February.
The team was established to honour the memory of the late Bruce Binge, who took his own life in October last year, and aims to raise awareness on men’s mental health.
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Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Sarah Mitchell and Member for Lismore Thomas George on Monday announced the NSW Government is investing $4000 to sponsor the team to attend the Border State Challenge Knockout Carnival in 2019.
“Aboriginal social and emotional wellbeing is important to all Australians, and I am proud of the contribution that the team has been able to make to support the wellbeing of our Indigenous people,” Minister Mitchell said.
“Rugby League brings our community together, and this event will not only be great day out for the whole team but an important way to raise awareness and reach those who need support,” Mr George said.
Bruce Binge Rugby League team organiser Brendan Minns said the team is committed to raising awareness on mental health.
“These funds will help the team cover its registration, accommodation and jersey costs for the event. Rugby league offers an outlet for men to talk to each other when they are feeling down in a judgment free environment,” Mr Minns said.
The footy team was the only one of the receiving end of grants. In addition to $12,802 to the Salvation Army to fit out the proposed activities centre to be built alongside the hall, the tennis club gets $10,000 from the Community Building Partnership program towards four new LED lights for the courts. The current lighting system was installed in the 1980s and is temperamental. Mrs Foster said the new system will be more efficient, more effective and undoubtedly lead to better tennis.
More than $17,000 for Tenterfield is coming from the Local Sport Grants program. Tenterfield Traditional Archers receives $12,268 to build a shade structure as well as to install water tank and toilet facilities. The club’s Marian Rogan said this will complete stage two.
The Tenterfield arm of the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia gets $5000 to purchase new target and traps for its pistol and shotgun competitions.
