Lil’ Man’s Saints raise awareness on suicide

When Halls Creek football team Lil’ Man’s Saints took out the 2013 Garnduwa Festival, they had more than just sport on their minds.

The young men came together at the request of Halls Creek woman Rowena Cox, to honour the memory of her son who committed suicide in 2012.

Rowena’s son was a keen footballer and he and his friends enjoyed participating in the Garnduwa Festival, an annual sport and music event held for the Kimberley Aboriginal communities of Western Australia.

The team used the 2013 event to honour their friend, support each other, and raise awareness with other communities about suicide.

Yura Yungi Aboriginal Medical Service CEO Ian Benjamin sourced a bus for the team to travel the three hours to Fitzroy Crossing where the festival was held. He also sponsored uniforms that had messaging on the back encouraging people to talk to their GP if they are feeling depressed.

Frank Skeen and Rose Yaloot, local counsellors with the Commonwealth Government’s Personal Helpers and Mentors programme (PHaMs), travelled with the team to the festival.

“We all stuck together and the boys didn’t go out at night; they were really committed,” Frank said.

Rowena was also very impressed with the team and the respect they showed.

“The young men showed-off their talented footy skills, determination and sportsmanship and really played with their hearts,” she said.

“The whole weekend was so emotionally overwhelming, with the other teams showing their respect as well in remembering my son and what a talented footy player he was.”

Rowena is now looking to set up a foundation in honour of her son that takes at-risk kids out on country for healing.