Firies and Umps battle for mental health

Peter Habersatt from Hoppers Crossing CFA holds the cup. (Damjan Janveski) 427173_01

The 2024 Mental Health Cup is locked in for Sunday, September 22, as firefighters and umpires unite to raise awareness for mental health and support the community.

Taking place at Avalon Airport Oval (Chirnside Park) in Werribee, the ball will bounce at 10am and the game will be followed by a function at 12.30pm that will feature a guest speaker and a comedian.

Both groups have been touched in some way, shape or form by mental illness- be it fighting their own battles or witnessing those of family, friends and colleagues, and at times the being faced with the most tragic of outcomes.

The game dates back over 15 years, with several CFA brigades and the WRFL Umpires Association making a tradition of the friendly yet competitive game of footy.

A committee has been formed to develop and sustain the annual event, known as the WRFL Umpires Vs Firies ( Emergency Services) Mental Health Cup.

The CFA and WRFL umpires association encourage the community to purchase a ticket to a great match of Aussie Rules Football and to get behind either the umpires or the firies.

Jaidyn Kennedy