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Duo tour for mental health

Carly LadenBroome Advertiser
Clinton Toopi and Preston Campbell, centre back, with Broome Jets committee members, players, NRL WA staff and Headspace staff.
Camera IconClinton Toopi and Preston Campbell, centre back, with Broome Jets committee members, players, NRL WA staff and Headspace staff. Credit: NRL WA, Supplied

Local rugby league enthusiasts were delighted to receive a special visit from two former NRL stars, that toured the State for an important mental health campaign.

The Broome Jets Rugby League squad and local primary schools were paid a visit by NRL State of Mind ambassadors Clinton Toopi and Preston Campbell after visiting the Pilbara region.

The pair hosted rugby clinics, gave presentations on cyber safety and held a special mental health workshop at headspace Broome last Monday.

Their visit came after the Broome Jets Rugby League squad travelled to Karratha to compete in the State of Mind 9’s Tournament the weekend prior.

The NRL’s State of Mind program was developed in partnership with Lifeline, Kids Helpline, headspace and the Black Dog Institute.

The program aims to use the NRL’s profile, clubs and players to reduce the stigma around mental illness and educating communities and grassroots clubs on mental health.

Mr Campbell said his and Mr Toopi’s tour of the State has been all about having a presence in regional communities while raising awareness about mental health.

“We thought getting out to regional towns was a great opportunity to give back and promote NRL’s State of Mind program,”

“There are a lot of West Australians out there that like rugby league so to get out there is awesome but it was very important to us to use the campaign to raise awareness.

“Seeing the raw talent on offer during our rugby clinics was definitely a nice bonus as well.”

After taking part in the mental health workshop, Broome Jets Rugby League committee members took to social media to express their support for the State of Mind program.

“Not only was it an honour to sit in a room with NRL royalty, but to also be accompanied by members of the Jets who have a genuine interest in the mental health of our crew, filled us with enormous pride,” they posted on their Facebook page.

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