THE rate of suicide among young Aboriginal men is four times higher than non-aboriginal young men and five times higher than young Aboriginal women.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The elders’ report into preventing indigenous self-harm and youth suicide also released information revealing in some remote Kimberley communities, the rate has reached 100 times the national suicide average.
Ex-Orange High School students Ellie Carey-Speirs and Tom Goolagong want these statistics to change.
During her visits as a youth worker to the remote Kalumburu Mission in Western Australia, Ms Carey-Speirs has witnessed first-hand the trauma and instability experienced by Aboriginal youth in these remote communities.
While there, she realised that sport could be used as an avenue of hope for children suffering from depression and anxiety in missions such as Kalumburu.
That’s where Orange Emus rugby player Tom Goolagong realised he could help.
“Ellie asked if I could donate some footballs and basketballs,” he said.
“The suicide rate is so high out there and she believes sport is a vital part of trying to combat that.
“A lot of the kids have tough upbringings and come from rough families.”
So far Mr Goolagong has raised $250 from one training session at Orange Emus and is hoping their major sponsor, SportsPower, will also get on board and donate some footballs and basketballs.
Mr Goolagong himself has Aboriginal heritage and is passionate about sport and the positive role it can play in the lives of Australia’s indigenous youth.
He’s hoping the Orange community will get behind this worthy cause.
“Everyone has chipped in a lot already, I wasn’t expecting that,” he said.
“It’s such a great cause because the money is going directly to the kids who need it.”
If you would like to donate money or unwanted footballs or basketballs, contact Tom Goolagong on 04233 13317 or via email at thomasgoolagong@gmail.com
bryson.ferreira@fairfaxmedia.com.au