Lifeline Broken Hill has been awarded close to $300,000 under the NSW Nationals in the state government’s ‘Our Region, Our Voice’ program to expand the ‘How’s Ya Mate?’ project.
NSW Nationals MLC Sam Farraway said the ‘How’s Ya Mate?’ project plays an important role in supporting the community, and the new funding will allow Lifeline to expand the program.
“The ‘How’s Ya Mate?’ initiative has a significant impact on families in Broken Hill by providing training and counselling to members of local sporting groups,” Mr Farraway said.
“It’s great to see a sustained commitment by the NSW Nationals in the state government into our regional communities by supporting mental health outcomes.
“This funding will ensure that vulnerable community members, particularly children and young men, are supported by expanding the project to other sporting codes including swimming and netball.
“Additionally, this $289,927 grant will cover the costs associated with reaching out to remote communities in the Far West, providing mental health training courses to staff and covering fees associated with guest speakers by sports stars.”
Lifeline Broken Hill Country to Coast CEO Scott Hammond said the funding boost has delivered a huge helping hand and will aid in putting the mental health and wellbeing program into additional sporting codes.
“It is with great thanks to the NSW Government that we can continue developing the ‘How’s Ya Mate?’ program into additional sporting codes,” Mr Hammond said.
“Our $289,927 grant will allow us to reach more people throughout the region which is exactly what we need to promote positive mental health conversations and reduce suicides rates in Far Western NSW.
“It’s pleasing that the NSW Government is backing the expansion of the HYM program as it will go a long way to facilitate meaningful outcomes for our communities.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the ‘Our Region, Our Voice’ program is improving the lives and wellbeing of young people across regional NSW.
“This is an investment in the next generation – an investment in projects and initiatives that matters to them and that will help regional youth reach their potential,” Mr Toole said.
“This investment is a testament to the Liberals and Nationals’ ongoing commitment in ensuring regional youth are empowered to build their own future. I’m excited to see these very important programs and initiatives start rolling out.”
Nationals Minister for Regional Youth Ben Franklin said nearly 2,000 young people were consulted to help determine the priorities for investment.
“This is an investment that has been shaped for youth, by youth and is based on findings from Regional Youth Insights – the largest regional youth research project ever commissioned by the NSW Government,” Mr Franklin said.
“The Nationals are committed to creating opportunities to support young people to live, work and achieve in regional NSW whether that’s through developing career pathways, improved health and wellbeing services, extracurricular activities or a newfound connection to culture and community.”
