Tamworth Rugby Club Magpies headspace day raises $10,000 for mental health

Tamworth headspace centre manager Azaan Vhora was “overwhelmed by the amount of generosity”.

“We can’t thank Tamworth Rugby Club enough, we need more organisations like this doing fundraisers and increasing awareness,” Mr Vhora said

“The club, players, their friends and family were all incredible generous.”

Magpies functions coordinator Simone Upton said the club and its players were keen to pursue an ongoing partnership with headspace.

“We are really proud as a club to sponsor this,” she said

“Once upon a time, mental health was a taboo subject, particularly for males, so to have 20 players wearing the green jersey for mental health was massive.

“The player participation was great. We had players who spend their own money on decorations to make headspace feel welcome.”

Some of the jerseys – still sweaty and dirty from the day’s game – were auctioning off for more than $500. 

“Everyone got behind the auction – I didn’t even realise I was bidding against my own son for his jersey at one stage,” Ms Upton said, laughing.

The Magpies also presented headspace with a jersey to mark the occasion.

“This kind of event really helps to break down the barriers and stigma around mental health,” Mr Azaan said.

“Our age range is 18 to 25, so a lot of people playing that day would fit in that demographic.

“To have them out there in the green jersey tackling mental health head on does so much for our organisation.”