The annual Scarred for Life memorial hockey match will serve as the centrepiece to the Margaret River Hockey Club's huge club social and fundraising day this weekend.
As part of this year's event, Rites of Passage facilitator Mike Dyson from the Good Blokes Co will feature as guest speaker. Dyson has a passion for reframing mental health and masculinity in a positive light and works with private, school, community and corporate groups creating fun, engaging spaces to have open, honest and real conversations about manhood and mental health.
Hockey club president Colin Fox said the community was lucky to have Dyson visit the region.
"Through our fundraising the hockey club has been able to secure Mike to visit the region, so that the community can experience his influence free of charge," he said. "Thanks to the Cowaramup Pharmacy and Margaret River Cowaramup Electrical Services who have helped to make this possible."
The annual event centres around the Scarred for Life match, which is played in memory of players Ken Howes, Stuart "Scar" Campbell, and Wes Battese.
"It's an opportunity for us as a club to remember how these men influenced our community and to let their families know they are still held in very high honour. As well as that, the message to the wider community is around mental health - how do we stop people, particularly men, from committing suicide. Mike will be facilitating an interactive conversation about how we can do mental health better at the hockey club, in our personal networks and throughout the Margaret River community.
"Mike will guide us through a short exploration of the landscape of mental health in Australia and help us to explore how we can find simple ways to support each other and keep our mates happy and healthy."
Also planned for the day are raffles, bouncy castle, and a mini hockey field set up for small players.
"It's a club social day bringing proud past and bright future players together for a fun opener to the season. We're also encouraging anyone who has not played hockey to come along and give it a try."
Festivities kick off Sunday 8 March from 10.00 am - 3.00 pm at the Western Oval, Gloucester Park. For more info see www.facebook.com/margaretriverhockey
Nicky Lefebvre
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
