Rugby union, like most sports, offers something unique in society.
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It can bring people who having nothing else in common together and can create bonds that last a lifetime.
That is something the NSW Rugby Union is hoping to tap into during it’s current Get Talkin’ Tour.
Run in conjunction with youth mental health organisation Batyr and the Positive Rugby Foundation the tour takes mental health education to regional NSW, connecting with local rugby clubs, high schools and community members to start important conversations about mental health and wellbeing.
The tour arrives at Dubbo’s Apex Oval on Saturday afternoon with a high-profile group coming to talk about mental health services on offer and help create mental health ambassadors, while there will also be a clinic for juniors, a game of touch footy, and a free BBQ for all those who attend.
NSW Rugby CEO Andrew Hore is one of the many who will be at Dubbo and he said his sport can help create meaningful change in communities through this tour.
“Sport can reach so many levels of society right through to the bloke on the street,” he said.
“It can enable people to start a conversation around something that might be a bit awkward or emotional.
“Sport is great because it brings people together in a comfortable place where they’re surrounded by mates.
“And the beauty of rugby is we can get to both the male and female demographic and we need that because mental health doesn’t discriminate.”
The seminar on Saturday will help create Batyr ambassadors will also give people the tools to look after their own wellbeing and that of their mates.
It will be run in a relaxed setting with a game of touch football involving some of the special guests to follow.
Hore will be joined at Apex Oval by former Dubbo junior and current Waratahs player Tom Robertson as well as two stars of the Australian Women’s 7s side, Shannon Parry and Demi Hayes.
As well as the hugely important mental health seminar, Parry and Hayes will also run a clinic for the region’s juniors.
For girls aged seven to 17 and boys from seven to 11, the session will run from 4.30pm at Apex Oval on Saturday.
Parry is the current Aussie 7s captain and was part of the side which won gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
“We always said we could do more,” Hore said of rugby’s impact in regional areas.
“We can show care, connection, and unity through rugby and we can offer more leadership.
“It’s more than just rugby programs as well. It’s about showing we care. This is a genuine attempt to make a difference.”
he tour is a free event and the sessions starts from 4pm at Apex Oval.