General News
7 December, 2022
Hitting the court for a cause
BASKETBALL enthusiasts have helped to raise more than $3000 in support of a local mental health initiative.
BASKETBALL enthusiasts have helped to raise more than $3000 in support of a local mental health initiative.
Ballers took to the court at Terang Stadium on Saturday as part of Let’s Ball Terang, which included a range of activities including a skills clinic hosted by the Terang Tornados and a shooting competition for all ages.
But while there was no shortage of fun and games, the day served as an opportunity to draw awareness to mental health and break the sigma of silence surrounding illness.
The Let’s Talk Foundation hosted a presentation on mental health, and all proceeds from the day were donated to ‘Surviving the Dark Times.’
Surviving The Dark Times is a mental health initiative aiming to open a mental health hub in Terang from 2023.
Surviving The Dark Times was founded by Dixie's Lizz Kelly and Sheryn McDowell after Lizz’s son, Thomas Vickers, took his life in 2021.
Ms Kelly said she was overwhelmed to see so many turn out on the day.
“It’s really good because the kids will get a lot out of it so it’s a winner all around,” she said.
“The support my family and I have had in the last 12 months since we lost Thomas is amazing.
“Everyone has suffered from some form of mental health issue, including myself, and we just need to put it out there that it’s okay to feel bad, and it’s okay to talk.
“We want to break the stigma and we want to provide a place for people to go and talk.”
Surviving The Dark Times has received widespread support from the community with more than $40,000 raised across various fundraising initiatives.
“We’ve had amazing support, and probably didn’t expect it to be as big as it was,” Ms McDowell said.
“Kane (Johnstone) starting off the fundraiser to run the Melbourne Marathon to raise funds was just tremendous, and through word of mouth it’s just got around.
“We really couldn’t ask for much more.”
Ms Kelly said developing a mental health support space in Terang was vital as members of the community have to travel to larger cities to access important services.
“There is nothing for us, no support for the locals,” she said.
Let’s Ball organising committee member Stephen Vaughan said it was great to see so many people show up to show their support.
The organising committee included Anna McMaster, Jane Vaughan, Kelly Mullen, Belinda Dwyer, Sarah Pekin and Tony Harrison.
“It’s an opportunity to support the community hub Lizz and Sheryn are trying to start up as a place for kids to come, feel safe and talk; if they’ve had a bad day or a bad year,” Mr Vaughan said.
“Just for people to know there will be a place for them to talk.”
Mr Vaughan said the growth of basketball provided an opportunity for the message to reach more people.
“We’re a small community but we’ve got a big basketball community,” he said.
“I thought why don’t we do something where kids get something out of a good, fun day and we can raise money for an important cause?
“I’d be very surprised if someone doesn’t know someone who is going through something.
“We just want people to know they’re not alone.”