Booralee Big Bash: Suicide awareness fundraiser returns, pays tribute to great mate

The Booralee Big Bash serves as a major suicide awareness fundraiser within the south-east Sydney community, with this year paying tribute to one of the event’s biggest supporters.

Michael McDiarmid (right) will be honoured at this year’s Booralee Big Bash. Picture: Sean Teuma

The third instalment of the Booralee Big Bash promises to be the biggest one yet, while its powerful message remains unchanged.

WARNING: This article contains references to suicide and self-harm.

The event is now in its third year of bringing together the local community and sporting clubs to participate in a cricket competition with suicide awareness as the key focus.

Since inception, the BBB has partnered with Gotcha4Life and funds raised have continued to grow.

In 2023 they were able to raise $6000 before upping that figure to more than $7000 the following year.

This time around organisers are hoping to reach the $10,000 mark.

Organiser Tony Pengue has personally felt the impacts of suicide and is doing his part to help start the conversation around those doing it tough.

“The reason we’re having this day is to enjoy the day, and celebrate and reflect on those people that are no longer with us,” he said.

“People can come down and have someone to talk to. Someone can lead them in the right direction and the next steps they can take.

“We hope to raise enough money to have the programs there for people to be able to access and seek help.”

If the event can reach its goal of $10k, that would be enough money to fund 200 one-on-one Gotcha4Life programs.

Bayside Council will also have a stall at the event with members of the Community Life team on hand for people to talk to.

(From left) Cr Jo Jansyn, Dr Christina Curry, Sharon Marsh, Matt Thistlethwaite MP, Tony Pengue and Cam Merchant at the Booralee Big Bash, Botany. Picture: Contributed

This year will pay tribute to one of the inaugural supporters of the event, Michael McDiarmid.

McDiarmid tragically passed away last year and was a well respected member of the local community.

“He was one of the biggest supporters of the Big Bash,” Pengue said.

“When I found out it really knocked me and a lot of people.”

A host of teams will feature throughout the day from multiple sports including football, rugby league and Aussie rules.

The door is open for more players, especially young females who are becoming more impacted by mental health concerns.

“When you talk about suicide people think it’s predominantly men. But it’s something that’s impacting a lot of young girls too,” he said.

“A lot has to do with cyber-bullying which is sad.”

The main match of the day will feature the Moore Park South East Cricket Association vs Last Man Standing.

“Without the support of Bayside Council, Gotcha4Life and the Moore Park South East Cricket Association I don’t know if this event could go ahead.”

For those looking to donate, click here.

For local businesses looking to donate prizes for the raffle or for prospective players on the day, email Tony Pengue at [e-mail].