THE efforts of the Heywood Golf Club have raised over $6000 for mental health researchers, Black Dog Institute, as well as plenty of awareness surrounding mental health and suicide in memory of late member Jarrod Barclay.

The four-person Ambrose event welcomed over 100 players across the day as well as guest speakers from the Shaka Project and Black Dog Institute to talk about mental health awareness and suicide prevention.

Sunday’s event was born from Jarrod’s wife, Nea Barclay, who wanted to raise awareness and incite discussion around mental health and suicide after her husband took his life earlier this year.

“After the event, at first there was so much emotion and a lot to take in but after a few days it’s really registered that it was such a great day and we’re so happy with how it went,” she said.

“Raising over six thousand dollars is super exciting but it’s not just the dollar amount, it shows that people care   and are wanting to talk about mental health.”

The Shaka Project was in attendance, an organisation created to ignite conversations around mental health through mateship, to discuss the importance of awareness and having a chat with mates.

A representative from the Black Dog Institute, a medical research institute that studies mental health across the lifespan, was also present on the day.

According to the Black Dog Institute over 65,000 Australians make a suicide attempt every year, suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians between 15 and 44 years of age and in 2017, about 75% of people who died by suicide were males and 25% were females. 

“Sean (Weir) from the Shaka Project spoke and he was amazing, he really knew what he was talking about and openly shared his experiences,” Nea said.

“So did Peter (Green) from Black Dog Institute – they both shared their stories with everyone listening and being respectful with the message being shared.

“I think it touched a lot of people, there were a few tears, and I think people definitely left thinking a bit more about the importance of mental health awareness.

“The hope now is that people go back to their workplaces and their sporting clubs and talk to their mates about mental health.

“I certainly got a sense, and so did Sean, that there was a bond or closeness between those of us that were there on Sunday.

“Everyone that was there either knew Jarrod or was walking around the course and talking with someone who did so it was really special to share that day with everyone.”

Nea said the community support for the event and for her family has been huge.

“I want to give a special thank you to Bendigo Bank, Bakers Delight and the Lions Club and also for everyone that attended on the day but also to everyone who donated and supported the event,” she said.

“A really big thank you to the Heywood Golf Club for hosting the event and all of our family, friends and community members who have supported us but also had us in their thoughts.

“Also all the businesses that donated to the raffle: Tracy Lipscombe Beauty Therapy, Hallidays Butcher, Wildblooms Portland, Admella Fruit and Veg, A Little Decorum, Coastal Grazing by Maddie, Pot A Round Nursery Heywood, Fyfe & Co, Matt's Lotto Cards and Gifts, Caremore Pharmacy Heywood, Absolutely Fabulous Fashion, Portland Guardian Pharmacy, Sugar Sugar, Welcome Home Giftware, Sportspower Portland, Aldi, KRenae Leather, Ivie & Eve Boutique, Kelshar Hair, Gazebo Hair, Amcal Pharmacy, Smith's Jewellers, My Coastal Kitchen and Alex Cancian Menswear.”

• Support is available for anyone in distress by contacting Lifeline on 131 114, MensLine on 1300 789 978 (or online at mensline.org.au), or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800 (or at kidshelpline.com.au).