Last week the Geelong Football Club recognised three remarkable organisations; Barwon Health, Read the Play and the Torquay Tigers, for their terrific impact on the local community.Â
Representatives and volunteers from the three organisations had the opportunity to attend Saturday's match against Richmond, sitting in the specially designated GMHBA Community Bay.Â
The GMHBA Community Bay has been established to provide local community groups, families and individuals the opportunity to attend a Geelong Cats home game.Â
During Saturday's match, the organisations were also recognised at quarter time with an on-field introduction, along with a video explaining the fantastic work they do.Â
Find out a little bit more about all three of the organisation's below.Â
Barwon Health
We are proud to recognise the incredible contribution of Barwon Health’s volunteers and the vital role they play in supporting our local community.
More than 200 dedicated volunteers contribute their time, compassion, and skills across Barwon Health, delivering over 18,224 hours of support in the past year to assist some of our community’s most vulnerable patients and their families.
Through more than 11 patient-focused volunteer programs, including Cancer Services, Patient Transport, Women and Children’s Services, Palliative Care, Concierge, Aged Care support, and many more, volunteers help create a more welcoming, connected, and supportive healthcare experience.
Whether it’s helping patients travel safely to essential treatments, providing companionship and comfort, supporting families during important moments, or welcoming people as they enter the health service, Barwon Health volunteers make a meaningful difference every day.
The impact of volunteering reaches far beyond the hours contributed, it’s about kindness, connection, and making a positive difference in the lives of others.
If you’re looking for a meaningful way to give back, Barwon Health welcomes community members to become part of their volunteer team and help make a difference.
Visit Barwon Health Volunteer Services to learn more about how you can get involved.
Website - MyImpactPage - Barwon Health
PH - 03 4215 6160
Email - volunteers@barwonhealth.org.au
Read the Play
Read the Play is a free mental health and wellbeing education program, delivered right here in the Barwon region. This year marks a big milestone, with Read the Play celebrating 20 years, having reached more than 30,000 young people since it began back in 2006.
The program works with young people aged 12 to 18, helping them build the skills and confidence to look after their own wellbeing and support their mates. It's open to all junior sporting clubs and community groups across the region, and it's completely free.
Read the Play also builds capability across the wider club environment, working with coaches, parents, volunteers and club Player Wellbeing Officers, not just the young people themselves. The focus is on early intervention, mental health literacy, help-seeking and reducing stigma, with community as the access point.
Torquay Tigers
The Torquay Tigers also joined us in the GMHBA Community Bay on Saturday night, as they were among the top fundraising clubs in our Read the Play fundraiser, highlighting their strong commitment to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of their players and local community.
The Torquay Tigers deliver welcoming and successful football and netball programs, creating opportunities for participation and growth from beginner levels right through to their senior teams.
