‘Good Talk’ Community rallies for mental health in honour of late Marrar star
Author Name:
deeanderson | Posted 11:14 am on Tuesday 17th October, 2023
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Community rallies for mental health in honour of late Marrar star
A local business and family are banding together in honour of one of the Farrar League’s great characters, who died after a very private battle with bipolar disorder.
Graeme Reid was known to his mates as a larrikin, a star on the footy field who loved a joke, but behind the facade he struggled deeply.
The 28-year-old couldn’t go on and took his own life almost seven years ago.
Now for Mental Health Awareness Month, his family have come together with Junee Licorice and Chocolate to sell a limited edition box of ‘Good Talk’ almonds, to raise awareness and money for research.
Graeme’s sister Fran Godde along with the family run the ‘Good Talk’ charity, partnering with Professor Philip Mitchell from UNSW, who does critical research into mental health in young people and their siblings.
Fran said the family want to make a positive change out of a tragic situation and have already seen others coming out to talk about their own struggles.
“‘Good Talk’ was Graeme’s catch phrase, so we wanted to encourage others to share a bite and have a real conversation with friends and family, which he struggled to do.
“He was embarrassed about having bipolar and we don’t want other people to feel the same,” Fran said.
Junee Licorice and Chocolate General Manager Rhiannon Druce said jumping on board for an important cause is the least they could do the help out.
“The footy Club already shows a lot of support with things like ‘Reidy’s Round’ and this is a way in which we can help out.
“It’s a really small thing for us to do, which we hope in turn makes a big difference for men’s mental health, particularly in regional areas where men in particular can struggle,” Rhiannon said.
Data shows men and young people in regional Australia are at an increased risk of suicide compared to metropolitan areas.
To support the cause this month, head to the Junee Licorice and Chocolate website with proceeds from their pink almonds being donated towards research.
If you or someone you know need help – call Lifeline – 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467.Details
