Good News Power Basketball Club will be awarded $7675 toward its mission to improve mental health in the west, as part of Australia Post’s 2024 Community Grants.
The Tarneit club’s initiative, ’Powering Up Mental Health at Good News Power Basketball Club’, is aimed at providing an inclusive environment and strong community through participation in sport.
Situated in one of Australia’s most diverse and rapidly growing suburbs, the club prides itself on embracing individuals and families of all abilities, backgrounds and walks of life.
Vice president Sarah Sherwood discussed the excitement that followed the announcement.
“We are absolutely ecstatic and appreciative of the prospective opportunities that their support will enable us to provide for our local community.”
The club’s diversity is a reflection of Tarneit, a suburb where over half the population was born outside of Australia.
Ms Sherwood was asked about the challenges that locals might face in accessing or understanding mental health information.
“In Tarneit specifically, there is a culmination of factors that contribute to reduced mental health outcomes, including the significant population growth and a high proportion of socioeconomic disadvantage,” she said.
Ms Sherwood went on to speak about the power of basketball to achieve positive change.
“We also believe that basketball is not just a sport, but a tool to enhance lives and empower, providing individuals with team-spirit, discipline, meaning and most importantly, fun!”
Eager to put the grant to good use, the club will provide mental health first aid training to coaches and committee members, offer parents educational sessions and open up training sessions to the public, ensuring everyone can benefit from basketball.
Details: auspost.com.au/about-us/supporting-communities/grants/community-grants-program
Jaidyn Kennedy
