The Nhill and Dimboola communities came together on Saturday to promote an important cause.
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After a member of the Nhill and District Sporting Club took their own life last year, the club decided to raise awareness of mental health with their round one Wimmera league game against Dimboola.
Nhill committee member Brett Wheaton said the match was important for both communities.
"Over the last two years there have been a number of suicides in the area," he said.
"The weekend was about recognising our community and volunteers, making sure of their well-being, and raising money for the Movember Foundation.
"It was also about raising awareness. We want people to know that if you're unwell, or under stress, you need contact with your mates... and I say it all the time, it's okay to not be okay."
Before the game, spectators and players came together, forming a circle on the oval to listen to an awareness program about mental health. A minute's silence paid tribute to the members both clubs had lost to suicide.
In the senior football, both Nhill and Dimboola wore special guernseys with a moustache printed on the front - a symbol that has become synonymous with men's mental health and wellbeing. Some of the guernseys were auctioned off after the game to help with the fundraising.
Nhill player and club servant Mitch Dahlenburg said wearing the guernsey and being part of the cause was a special occasion.
"It obviously meant a fair bit for us to wear the guernsey and to raise awareness and money for an important cause," Dahlenburg said.
"We really just hope that by raising awareness and a bit of money we can help people in need, and hopefully nothing like that ever happens again."
$2755.10 was raised for the Movember Foundation from a raffle and donations. More is expected as guernesys are auctioned off.
The round one game was originally scheduled at Dimboola. But Dimboola president Mick Henderson said once the idea of the day was raised, the club quickly agreed to change the location to Nhill.
"They asked us if we would change the grounds, and we didn't have any hesitation in helping out however we could," Henderson said.
"It was really well received within the community from footballers and netballers. It is a massive issue within the community, so we were happy to be involved."
Nhill club president Russell Borgelt thanked Dimboola for their support.
"Dimboola were in a similar spot we were. They have lost some people as well," Borgelt said. "It was important for us both to come together."
- If you, or someone you know, needs help phone Lifeline on 13 11 14.