In the swing for mental health

HAVE a day on the green this month in support of men’s mental health.

On Friday, 11 November, non-profit group Ballarat Men’s Mental Health will host their second annual golf fundraiser at the Ballarat Golf Club.

The event was established last year by Greg Walsh, after having held similar initiatives throughout Victoria.

“I commenced the event about six years ago with a couple of mates, and we decided to make it local, so anything we do make… will support our community,” he said.

“I’m just trying to change people’s perception on suicide. I’ve lost two brothers to it. My youngest, Noel, and my other, Damien.

“The guys I started this with, I met at a golf tournament 25 years ago. Damian went to that event each year and the guys wanted to come here to support him when he died.”

Funds raised from the 18-hole day will benefit BMMH initiatives, and a gold jacket prize will be won.

Two golfing sessions will take place, with the first from 8.30am to 12.30pm, followed by an afternoon session from 1pm to 5.30pm.

The event will culminate with a function at Oscar’s, during which a raffle, prizes and trophies will be presented.

More than 80 people attended last year, and Mr Walsh said he hopes the upcoming event will be bigger than ever.

“I’ve got no doubt we’ll keep getting bigger… Each year it’s improving. The numbers show there’s people hurting, and they don’t know where to go for help,” he said.

“Whatever we can do to help anyone, that’s all that matters. It’s giving people a few hours of golf and then a social evening where they can see the good work [BMMH] does.”

Tickets range from $50 to $100 and can be booked at bit.ly/3UbgJ2T.