Preston Campbell’s titanic effort for charities scores a Pride of Australia nomination
THREE years after he retired from NRL, Preston Campbell is kicking more goals than ever.
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THREE years after he retired from the NRL, Preston Campbell is kicking more goals than ever.
The former Gold Coast Titans star, who was already a tireless worker for indigenous communities in his playing days, has since taken his work to a whole new level.
As well as visiting thousands of disadvantaged indigenous kids through the Titans 4 Tomorrow charity, he also talks about depression for the Black Dog Institute and Lifeline.
Titans founder Michael Searle describes the pint-sized Campbell as like a brother and said he was a worthy nomination for a Pride of Australia community spirit medal.
“He is so selfless with his time,” Mr Searle said. “He continues to epitomise everything that is great about Australians. Preston hasn’t just changed lives, he has saved lives.”
Depression and suicide prevention are causes close to Campbell’s heart — when young he deliberately drove into a tree but survived and has made the most of his second chance.
“What I went through, I was very lucky to be able to come out the other side,” he said.
“I’m no expert, but if I can help others then it’s been worth it.”
Campbell, from small town Tingha in country NSW, is king of the kids wherever he goes, which is pretty much everywhere.
He has just returned from a trip to Mornington Island in the Gulf of Carpentaria and is about to head off to Roma and the Surat Basin.
He covers about 3000km a year, working with teens on issues such as mental health, bullying, cultural identity and leadership.
“I was very appreciative of the support I got from family, clubs and the community in general (when I was playing) and I want to give back,” Campbell said.
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