MENTAL Health Round continues to grow every year — and 2026 was by far the biggest yet for North Coast Football.
From the football pitch to the activities, DJs, face painting, conversations and support on offer, the round was a fantastic reminder that looking after our mental health is something we can all play a part in.
One of the standout events was held at Woolgoolga United FC, where the club, alongside Lifeline North Coast, brought the community together for a memorable night celebrating football, connection and mental health awareness.
Event organiser and Woolgoolga FC Wellbeing Officer, Lindsay Mamone, summed up the significance of the evening.
“What a night, Friday night at Woolgoolga United FC was something pretty special,” Mamone said.
“A few hundred people came together for an incredible celebration of girls’ and women’s football, but the night was about so much more than what happened on the pitch.
“It was about community.
“It was about people coming together, watching some fantastic football, talking to each other, checking in with each other and supporting Lifeline North Coast and an issue that touches so many lives.
“There was plenty happening — the DJ, music, raffle prizes, plenty of football and an incredible atmosphere around the ground.
“We were also incredibly happy to have Gurmesh Singh MP there to show his support for the event and to toss the coin for both captains ahead of the Women’s First Division and Women’s Premier League matches.
“And then there were the local businesses.
“The support from our sponsors and local businesses who wanted to get behind Kick It For Lifeline was unbelievable. “From sponsorship and raffle prizes to businesses simply wanting to show their support, it was a genuine demonstration of what can happen when a community gets behind something that matters.
“But perhaps the best part of the night was simply seeing people together.
“Players. Families. Friends. Supporters. Volunteers. Businesses. Community leaders.
“All there for football, but also there to support each other and help start conversations around an issue that is so important.
“That is what community looks like.
“A very proud night for Woolgoolga United FC, and a reminder that sport can be about so much more than what happens on the field,” Mamone said.
Lifeline North Coast CEO Angela Martin applauded the kindness and generosity shown by the community throughout the week.
“What I loved most about the week was seeing our North Coast community come together in such a positive and meaningful way,” Ms Martin said.
“From the players and coaches to the volunteers, families and supporters, there was an incredible sense of connection, kindness and community spirit throughout the event.
“Raising $3,675 for local mental health and suicide prevention services is a fantastic result, but just as important were the conversations started, the awareness raised, and the genuine connections made along the way.
“That’s what Kick It for Lifeline is all about.”
“Our fundraising page is still open, and we would love the community’s continued support, donations can be made at: https://lifelinenorthcoast.org.au/kick-it-for-lifeline/,” she said.
By David WIGLEY
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