AS a rugby league superstar Greg Inglis inspired junior players and thrilled young fans but it’s his career post-football that is significantly impacting lives.
Believing prevention is the best cure, Mr Inglis founded the Goanna Academy in 2020 to host football clinics in conjunction with a mental health message.
Last month, he visited the Darling Downs region to present a series of workshops and seminars to schools in Murgon, Stanthorpe and Warwick.
Richard Henshaw, Darling Downs Health, Mental Health and Alcohol and other Drugs Health promotion officer said the program’s goal was to improve the outlook for young people struggling with mental health concerns.
“It’s aimed at reducing the stigma in asking for help and building resilience in communities,” Mr Henshaw said.
As part of the program, Mr Inglis shares his own experiences as a successful national rugby league player.
He was diagnosed with Bipolar II disorder in 2019 after finishing a stellar league career, which included the 2009 Golden Boot (best player in the world), the 2007 Clive Churchill Medal (man of the match for the grand final, won by the Melbourne Storm), 39 Kangaroos caps, 32 State of Origin matches for Queensland and another premiership in 2014 with Souths.
“It is really surprising to hear his story and life journey and what happened behind closed doors,“ Mr Henshaw said.
“He had fame and fortune but he struggled with his mental health like so many people.”
According to the Goanna Foundation, 75 per cent of mental health problems occur before the age of 25.
Inglis says he’s unsurprised by the growing number of children he sees struggling.
“We’d like to get that number down to the other end of the scale,“ he said recently. “That’s the reason why the Goanna Academy works as the middle person.
“I just try and reinforce that it’s about them – or it’s about them having the tools to help someone else that they might see is struggling.“
Mr Inglis’s regional visit comes after the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation hosted fundraising dinners early this year, where a commitment was made to share his story and program with more young people in the community.
“This is the first time the Goanna Academy has been to Queensland,” Mr Henshaw said.
“I am excited to see the program rollout and for our young people to gain the confidence, skills and resilience to speak up if they are struggling.”
For more information visit www.goannaacademy.com.au.
