The AFL is pleased to announce National Youth Mental Health Foundation headspace and disaster preparedness, relief and recovery organisation Disaster Relief Australia (DRA) will become official charity partners of the AFL.
headspace and Disaster Relief Australia will join the AFL as part of its corporate social responsibility program for the next three years, joining existing charity partner FightMND.
Through the corporate social responsibility program, the AFL works closely with its charity partners throughout the year to highlight the positive impact they make in communities across the country, from grassroots to the elite.
Announcing the partnership at Marvel Stadium, AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said it was important to align with partners who have a shared commitment to the community.
“The AFL is delighted to welcome headspace and Disaster Relief Australia as official charity partners as we continue to work together to support the broader community.
“The health of our elite AFL and AFLW competitions is directly related to the health of our grassroots football community. Both headspace and DRA’s commitment to working in and supporting local communities across the country is part of the reason we’re excited to have them on board for the next three years,” Dillon said.
“We know mental health remains one of the biggest challenges facing our football communities and have seen the recent devastating impact natural disasters can have on people, both on and off the field.
“We look forward to working with our new charity partners headspace and DRA, along with our longstanding partner FightMND, and use our collective platforms to promote their integral work.”
Working in 169 community centres across the country, headspace’s early intervention mental health services for young people has already had a significant impact in the AFL’s talent pathway programs and as a mental health and wellbeing program delivery partner.
headspace CEO Jason Trethowan said the partnership with the AFL is an important step in supporting young Australian's mental health.
"headspace is incredibly grateful to come on-board as one of the official charity partners of the AFL. The AFL does so much in promoting help-seeking and reducing the stigma around mental ill-health and through this partnership, we look forward to helping even more young Australians feel supported and access the help they need," Mr Trethowan said.
"Footy clubs are often the heartbeat of local communities — they play a crucial role in connecting young people to their communities, and we know that staying active and socially connected is vital for good mental health. Today's partnership announcement between headspace and the AFL is a further step towards improving the mental health of all young Australians."
Serving Australia in disaster preparedness, relief and recovery, Disaster Relief Australia unites the skills and experience of veterans and other dedicated volunteers to bring help and hope to those in need. Working with the AFL in 2024 with on the ground corporate volunteering days, DRA also supports veterans and works closely with a number of AFL clubs to support local communities recovering from disaster.
Disaster Relief Australia CEO Dave Smith said the partnership would help DRA increase its support to assist more Australian communities recover from disaster.
“As the frequency and intensity of disasters increases, partnerships with organisations such as the AFL are essential in our ongoing ability to serve Australian communities with preparedness and recovery.
“We have almost 5,500 volunteers nationwide, but we know there are thousands more Australians who are ready and willing to help when disasters strike. Through this partnership, Disaster Relief Australia can support more people to do this as and when required with maximum effect. The benefits of volunteering in such a way expand beyond simply helping the community. There is a significant, positive and proven impact on the wellbeing of those who help,” Smith said.
“We look forward to working alongside the AFL, its community clubs, staff and volunteers to help Australian communities recover more quickly from disaster.”
