Wednesday, 3 June 2026

 John PESUTTO (Hawthorn) (19:23): (1685) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Mental Health, and the action I seek is for the minister to join me at the Hawthorn Amateur Football Club to meet with club members and volunteers behind their Wings program and learn more about the role grassroots sporting clubs can play in supporting mental health and wellbeing in our community. Recently the Age and Channel 9 highlighted the remarkable work being undertaken by the Hawthorn Amateurs through the Wings program, an initiative established following the tragic loss of three members of the club community to suicide in 2010. Rather than allowing that tragedy to define them, the club chose to respond with action. Over the past 16 years, the Wings program has evolved into a comprehensive mental health and wellbeing initiative. It provides subsidised access to counselling and psychological services, trains club members in mental health first aid, raises awareness of the challenges many people face and fosters a culture where people feel comfortable checking in on one another and asking for help when they need it.

Every year the club hosts a wings lunch with special guest speakers. Last Saturday I was honoured to attend and hear from Lauren and the team at Graham Psychology on how clubs can improve their culture and support systems for teammates when they may be showing signs that they are struggling. The club raised $5109 for their wings mental health fund, which provides professional mental health support for the club’s community. Every Thursday evening players gather after training and take part in what is known as the triple H: sharing a hardship, a highlight from their week and a hero they admire. It is a simple exercise but one that encourages honesty, connection and conversation.

I wish to acknowledge past president Pat Clancey, who was instrumental in establishing the program in 2010, and remember club members who have been tragically lost: Jacob Pitcher, David Holland, Danny Priest and Peter Lynch. I particularly want to acknowledge club president Sam Waldron, wings program coordinator Charlotte Miller and all the volunteers, coaches and players involved in the program, as well as those who have worked to ensure their beloved teammates remain an enduring inspiration to help others and save lives.

In a world where many people are increasingly isolated, community sporting clubs continue to play a vital role in bringing people together. They create friendships, foster belonging and provide support networks that extend well beyond the boundary line. Hawthorn Amateurs have shown what can be achieved when a community comes together with compassion, purpose and determination. I therefore ask the Minister for Mental Health to join me at the Hawthorn Amateur Football Club, meet those involved in the program and explore the opportunities to emulate this program across Victoria so others too can benefit.