News

Thank you for being part of something special, Camberwell.

Camberwell Basketball extends its gratitude to those who supported our inaugural Mental Health Awareness Week (April 26-May 2).

Special thanks to our quality line-up of guest speakers – including Provisional Psychologist James Farrough from Glynn Mind Clinic, two-time National Basketball League champion Andrew Parkinson, world-class extreme athlete with a disability and Dragons ambassador Bobby Bajram – Australia Post, Heidi Glynn and Glynn Mind Clinic, Beyond Blue and the volunteers who worked hard behind the scenes to help bring this Association-wide initiative to life.

And last, but certainly not least, to the Dragons teams (including our 20.2 Boys, pictured) who threw their support behind the cause by adding a splash of blue to the club's traditional maroon and yellow for games played over the weekend. Scroll down for more photos of our Dragons teams.

What our attendees said

Camberwell Basketball and our presenters received some excellent feedback from attendees at last week's presentations, including players, coaches, administrators, community leaders, parents and guardians. Here's a sample of what they had to say:

"It's great that we were able to have people come together to talk about mental health and the importance of self-care." – Camberwell Dragons Championship Men's team head coach and Girls Director of Coaching Shawn King.

"Hearing (guest speaker) Trevor's story was both inspiring and moving, and the night's message about positive self-talk was really worthwhile and something that resonates with everyone." – Dragons Youth League Women's team captain Amelie Atkinson.

"The session was an amazing demonstration of the power that comes from positive self-talk and the difference it makes not just on the court, but in life. Trevor's session was inspirational and a courageous example that we don't have to suffer in silence." – Member for Hawthorn John Pesutto.

"It was a great night and it's awesome to be able to support a club that puts the emphasis on health off the court, both mental and physical, (and understands how that) translates to health on the court. Congratulations to Camberwell Basketball on a really positive initiative for the community." – Nick Smith, Engagement Coordinator and Academy Director at South East Melbourne Phoenix Basketball Club.

"I thought it was a great evening. Listening to Trevor was very inspiring and hearing from a psychologist was good as well. Targeting it to our community and application to basketball was great." – Anonymous.

"Thought the night was great. All positive from me. Would love for more resources and guidance about players' self-talk as a coach ... I think the premise of reminding everyone that we often only see a certain side of people and the emphasis of reaching out and being kind was great. As a coach, hearing from James (Provisional Psychologist James Farrough) was a good reminder of the mental game sport can bring to a player, and how coaches play a role in managing this." – Anonymous.

"It was a great event. I liked the two speakers and thought it was a good mix of personal, relatable experience and theory with interaction. Both of them were good presenters and created good rapport with the audience. My feedback is entirely positive: it was well-organised, clear, and provided useful, practical tips. If anything, I would just encourage more people to attend." – Anonymous.

"Nothing but positive feedback from me. The whole concept of mental health awareness is fantastic. I don't think you need to change anything. It had the personal touch with Trevor's personal account of his journey and you had a professional to explain in detail how the mind works and tips to help improve your mental health." – Anonymous.

Team Photos

See below for more more photos of Dragons teams supporting Mental Health Awareness Week last weekend:

12.1 Girls

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12.2 Girls

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12.9 Boys

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12.10 Boys

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16.5 Girls

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16.6 Girls

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18.1 Boys

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18.1 Girls

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18.2 Boys

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18.2 Girls

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Big V Division 1 Women

For information about our inaugural Mental Health Awareness Week and / or to provide additional feedback, please contact Camberwell Basketball Communications, Community Engagement and Partnerships Manager Andrew Johnstone at [email protected]