Aboriginal players from the NRL have attended three Healthy Lifestyle Clinics across NSW in Dubbo, Taree and Armidale with the support of Aboriginal Affairs NSW.
The clinics aimed to empower young Aboriginal people with messages about the importance of physical, mental and emotional health.
The sessions were attended by NRL players Latrell Mitchell, Bradman Best, Brian Kelly and Alofiana Khan-Pereira, along with former players Brad Tighe and Dean Widders.
Each session was tailored to the unique dynamics and needs of the community. The players worked with participants to build confidence by sharing experiences, challenges and successes for their own lives and careers. NRL role models inspired and encouraged participants to become leaders within their Communities, showcasing the positive impact of making the right choices and encouraging others. Mitchell flew out of Melbourne at 6am on the morning after playing in State of Origin Game 2 to get to Taree in time for the clinic. “Especially in sport, mental health is massive. Having a good support network, that’s what gets you through your career and I suppose your day-to-day life. It’s all about looking after each other and making sure you’re looking after yourself,” he said. “As a kid from Ballina, to give back to the kids, especially from the small rural communities, it means a lot to myself and also my family,” said Brian Kelly. The clinics were organised and funded by Aboriginal Affairs NSW.
