By Jonty Ralphsmith
Two of Gippsland’s finest rising footballers will take part in a Speed Golf Tournament at Drouin Golf Club on Friday 19 October to raise money for local wellness non-profit organisation Mindfull Aus.
The tournament has participants playing nine holes of golf as quickly as they can, with tee-off at 2pm.
Top-10 contender Alixzander Tauru and AFL Academy forward Ricky Mentha will take part in the event, alongside Lowanna College peers Lucas Carter and Brodie Atkins.
The event was inaugurated by Bailey Humphrey and Jacob Konstanty in 2022.
Humphrey, now listed at Gold Coast, established the now annual event as he navigated the challenge of losing someone close to him as a teenager and saw the positive impact his vulnerability was having on his peers at Lowanna College.
Seeing the potential to raise necessary funds for suicide prevention, Humphrey established the event with Power graduate and former Sydney Swan Konstanty.
Fellow Gippslanders Lane Ward and Seb Amoroso took part in last year’s event, with Tauru, Mentha, Carter and Atkins, a year-11 student and Gippsland Power player, carrying the tradition on in 2024.
“Alix, Lucas and Ricky said we want to continue this on for the right reasons after what those boys did,” said Lowanna College staff member and Gippsland assistant coach Allan Chandler.
“I love that it’s the boys thinking about things other than themselves.
“I know when you are going through a draft year, you can get a little bit internal at times.
“This provides a platform for them to do something different and run an event.
“I don’t think there’s anyone better than (Mindfull Aus chief executive and founder) Matt Runnalls in regards to suicide prevention so it’s something we want to support.
“The way he talks about it in front of everyone is pretty inspiring.”
A keen golfer, Tauru highlighted the significance of the cause.
“It’s not talked about enough and it’s something I really believe in because it can be hard for people going through mental health issues and they need to feel supported and we’d like to demonstrate there’s avenues to show people they’re supported,” Tauru said.
“Hopefully we can continue to pass it on to the young kids coming through the school.”
Mentha echoed Tauru’s sentiment and is rapt to be involved in a special cause.
“It feels good to get behind an important cause and get behind people who are going through some difficult times with their mental health,” he said.
To donate to the boys’ cause and Mindfull Aus, follow the link: tysonbalememorialfund.gofundraise.com.au/page/LowannaCollege
If you or anyone you know needs support, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
