The 2023 WorkSafe Safety Initiative Award is presented by WorkSafe Victoria
Pearcedale Netball Club (PNC) has been named joint winner of the 2023 WorkSafe Safety Initiative Award, alongside Pines Netball Club, at the 2023 Netball Victoria Community Awards.
Motivated by the introduction of the new Child Safety standards, PNC embarked on a journey to further support players and their families.
"Starting with first aid and suicide awareness training, improving the flow of Child Safety information to children and parents, and providing training opportunities for all key leaders across the club – we’ve hit the ground running," said co-president Gwyn McMillan.
The introduction of SafeTALK training has proved invaluable for PNC, equipping participants with skills to recognise when their peers are struggling and providing a plan to connect individuals with the help and support they need.
Gwyn and the broader committee have been impressed by the impact of this new training, which reinforces that everyone can play a role in preventing suicide with the right support.
“The return to community sport after COVID lockdowns was much anticipated given the benefits of sport, however the impact on mental health of the children and parents has been profound,” she said.
“Being knowledgeable about support services available, combined with the confidence to have open discussions with parents and children, will be more important than ever.”
After reflecting on this new era in community sport, the club recognised the need for enhanced mental health support, particularly given the additional pressures families face daily.
The mental health training sessions have flourished, inspiring open and safe conversations within the Pearcedale netball community.
"Opening the dialogue about mental health and suicide has been the biggest benefit," Gwyn said.
The club's commitment to breaking the stigma surrounding these discussions and providing resources and education has empowered club leaders to make a real difference when it matters the most.
For Gwyn, safety in netball extends beyond physical aspects, including equipment and facilities.
Mental health and suicide prevention initiatives, although initially daunting, provide huge benefits for the entire community. Gwyn encourages other clubs to challenge the stigma, foster understanding, and provide ongoing training to build confidence in supporting mental health.
“Historically, we’ve been conditioned that discussing mental health – including suicide prevention – is taboo,” she said.
“Empowering our club leaders to have open conversations about these issues and reject these myths by providing resources and education opportunities increases the opportunity to make a real difference when it matters the most.”
As Gwyn and the whole of Pearcedale Netball Club looks forward to the future, receiving the WorkSafe Safety Initiative Award is a testament to their commitment to safety, mental health, and the wellbeing of the club.
“The benefits to the entire community are immeasurable.”
