Suicide of Mount Gambier cricket icon Heath Case ignites calls to use country sport to start a conversation on mental health

A local cricket legend has been remembered for his dedication to community sport as country clubs vow to continue his legacy with a mental health round.

The loss of a talented sportsman, father of two and dedicated volunteer to suicide has shocked the South Australian cricket community, as clubs across the state rally to raise mental health awareness.

Mount Gambier’s Heath Case took his own life last month. Now the local cricket legend’s loved ones are calling on people to pick up the phone and check in on their mates.

The 49-year-old has been remembered by his best friend and brother-in-law as they fundraise to support his mother Rose, wife Liz, and teenage sons Robby and Hamish.

A significant figure in South-East cricket, Mr Case played his whole career at the Yahl Cricket Club, took on the president, secretary and treasurer positions at the club and also worked for the Mount Gambier and District Cricket Association (MGDCA) as junior co-ordinator.

Heath Case celebrating a premiership with sons Hamish and Robby. Picture: Supplied

After 46 years of friendship, Stuart Fraser gave the eulogy at Mr Case’s funeral and said he still couldn’t wrap his head around his best mate’s passing.

“It’s hard to come to terms with. I’m so surprised,” Mr Fraser said.

“Heath was such a loving guy, he would always go out of his way for you and was always interested in how you and your family were doing.

“I wish there could be more answers but we really need to start reaching out to people and if someone is struggling they need to know they can pick up the phone and talk to someone.”

Mr Fraser, who is now an assistant coach at the Morphettville Park Football Club, recalled times he shared with Mr Case, often with sport as a backdrop.

He said sport was the perfect platform to raise mental health awareness.

Heath Case represented the Mount Gambier and District Cricket Association and Yahl Cricket Club throughout his entire cricketing career. Picture: Supplied

“We grew up together both being very sporty and very competitive. He was a really talented sportsman who played basketball, football, cricket, eight-ball and even took part in horse racing,” Mr Fraser said.

“He was also being looked at as a senior umpire for the AFL but didn’t want to relocate.

“It’s tragic. The issue of mental health is really big in sport now and I think we in sport need to ensure people know they have someone to talk to and are supported.”

Brother-in-law David Pick, who is also the MGDCA secretary, said the association had launched a online fundraiser with Beyond Blue and would host a mental health round on January 15 to support his family and raise awareness.

Heath and son Hamish after playing an A-Grade game together for Yahl in 2017. Hamish has since become a young gun cricketer at Prince Alfred College. Picture: Supplied

Prince Alfred College – the school of Mr Case’s son and under-17s state cricketer Hamish Case – will also host a fundraiser, as will the Yahl Cricket Club.

“Sport is becoming a massive platform for this,” Mr Pick said.

“We plan to create awareness in our competition this season and then to continue it in the future for everyone from juniors to seniors.

“Raising awareness is integral, the money is secondary but most of that will go towards funding Heath and Liz’s two boys and their pursuit of elite pathways for cricket in Adelaide.”

Mr Pick also spoke about Mr Case’s legacy and the impact the loss had on the community.

“He was such a great person. Always checking in with you and your family,” he said.

“His passion for and impact on cricket in Mount Gambier was massive and I know he kept Yahl alive for a time there.

“The local community is at such a loss. People are still trying to comprehend it but we want to continue to recognise Heath and help others who may be struggling.”

MGDCA has set up a fundraiser in memory of Heath Case.