The Bairnsdale Football Netball Club will host the FIFTH QTR Foundation next month for a vital community information evening focused on supporting past and present players, netballers and their families.
The FIFTH QTR Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting past AFL and AFLW players, their families, and the broader sports community in achieving positive mental health and wellbeing.
Foundation co-founder and Carlton legend Ken Hunter was the first VFL/AFL player to publicly speak out about his battle with severe depression during his playing career. At a time when mental illness was heavily stigmatised and support services were non-existent, Hunter’s openness was groundbreaking, sparking an important national conversation across Australia.
Scheduled for Wednesday, July 29 at 6pm, the free session will explore the long-term impacts of sports injuries, concussion, mental health challenges, and navigating life beyond competitive sport. It will also highlight the various support frameworks available through the foundation.
Attendees will hear firsthand stories, learn about the hidden challenges local and elite athletes face, and discover how the FIFTH QTR Foundation is working to create a safer, healthier future for regional sporting clubs.
Whether you are a player, parent, partner, volunteer, or supporter, the Redlegs encourage the entire community to join this critical conversation — because player wellbeing does not end when the final siren sounds.
The event is free to attend, but registration is required. Please RSVP to Kellie Carstairs via email.
