Tamworth Rugby Club Magpies flying high for club's headspace day

Last year, the club raise $10,000 for Tamworth headspace by auctioning off the special-edition jerseys, and is hoping for similar success this year.

Tamworth first-grade winger and health professional Isaac Woodbury said the annual mental health fundraiser had become increasingly significant for the Magpies, both on and off the field. 

"The club's at the forefront of the mental health discussion, and getting blokes comfortable talking about it," he said.

"It's something we all tend to avoid, especially for us young men. This is a good way to come in to a relaxed environment, such as a footy game, and have an open discussion about mental health.

"To come down to the rugby and have a conversation about it, over a beer or a game of footy, could make someone's day or even change their outlook on life."

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Tamworth Rugby president Mitch Hanlon said the club was "immensely proud" of its headspace day, which had become one of the "highlights of the season".

"It's not just about the footy, it's about taking the community with us and understanding what our community's needs are," he said.

"The problems of our players are the problems of our community, so we saw this as something we should get involved in."

Mr Hanlon said the region had an under supply of mental health services, so it was important to the club to ensure the Tamworth headspace was well established in the community.

"I think everyone has personally been touched by mental health issues," he said.

"We want to keep these mental health professionals here and get people to understand they are accessible.

"We see this as one community-based organisation, in our rugby club, giving back to another community-based organisation."

Headspace will have stalls with information and displays, along with family-friendly activities such as face painting.

The gates open at 11am, with first grade kicking off at 3pm. The jerseys will be auctioned off following first grade.

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