Helen Haines (Indi, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I'm so proud of the Alpine Saints Myrtleford Football and Netball Club from my electorate of Indi, who were crowned today as Victorian Good Sports Club of the Year for inspiring positive change and building a healthy, family-friendly club. The club brought together its Wellbeing Team with the assistance of Alpine Health to develop a sustainable model focusing on youth mental health first aid, self-care and support, not just for its players but for its community more widely. It made sense in a town where the sports club is a focal point for the community.

We've all heard the old African proverb that it takes a village to raise a child. This grassroots Wellbeing Team includes health professionals, board members, coaches, players, supporters and the local Alcohol and Drug Foundation representative, proving that for a child to experience and grow in a safe and healthy environment we need everyone to care.

A special mention goes to Ian Wales, president of the Alpine Saints; John Pryor, chair of the Wellbeing Team; Jake Sharp, senior football coach; Lisa Neville, health promotion officer at Alpine Health; Janelle Gibson, the ADF Senior Community Development Officer; and all the volunteers, players, members and parents who rightly share in this good sports award. Congratulations to you all.