St Mary’s Sporting Club’s Damian McKeegan named as Local Heroes finalist

Damian McKeegan is determined to help improve the mental health of young people at his local sporting club after a player died by suicide several years ago.

St Mary's Damian McKeegan is up for a Westfield Local Hero award for his work promoting mental health with players. Picture: Alison Wynd

Damian McKeegan is determined to help improve the mental health of players at St Mary’s Sporting Club.

After a young player died by suicide several years ago, Mr McKeegan started a support program at the club around mental health.

The program has since expanded to address bullying, drugs and other social issues facing young people.

Mr McKeegan, who has worked as a detective for almost 40 years, said the player’s death was “out of the blue”.

“Any death can create apprehension, fear and concern, not just for the kids but for their parents,” he said.

“We created the welfare program to help support those at the club affected by his passing.

“We wanted to show there is help and resources out there for people who need it.”

The program, which has been running for about eight years, includes educational tools and resources about mental health and where players can reach out for help.

Speakers from outside the club have been invited to chat to players through the program.

Mr McKeegan, who is a board member, wellbeing officer and Auskick co-ordinator at the club, has noticed the stigma around mental health breaking down in recent years.

“We’re more open then we used to be,” he said.

“There’s more education, not just at our club but across society.”

Mr McKeegan said the community was more aware of the importance of mental health.

“You see someone with a broken arm and you know something is wrong,” he said.

“But with mental health, you can be walking around and no one would know.”

St Mary's Damian McKeegan is up for a Westfield Local Hero award for his work promoting mental health with players. Picture: Alison Wynd

Mr McKeegan is a finalists for the Westfield Geelong Local Hero Award, which celebrates those dedicated to supporting their community.

Foundation 61 founder Rob Lytzki and Lifeline crisis support worker LeeAnne Edwards are also finalists.

The winner will receive a $20,000 grant for their organisation and each finalist receives $5000.

If successful, Mr McKeegan said the grant would be used to continue to expand the program and grow the club’s women’s participation.

Westfield Geelong Centre Manager, Lauren Frew said: “Our finalists are driving positive change with the work they do, and every vote is a contribution to the potential impact they’re able to make.”

To vote, head to www.westfield.com.au/local-heroes.

Lifeline: 13 11 14

Originally published as St Mary’s Sporting Club’s Damian McKeegan named as Local Heroes finalist