Fire stars lend their support to The Peter Project

JCU Townsville Fire stars Tess Madgen and Ally Malott have leant their support to The Peter Project during their 550km walk from Bowen to Cairns.

Earlier today, The Peter Project, which was formed to honour the memory of Peter Dejong and to help raise awareness for suicide prevention and mental health, journeyed through the Murray precinct to collect the Fire recruits before continuing their trek via The Cathedral School.

Peter’s family are walking from their home in Bowen to his final resting place in Cairns – 10 years after he tragically took his own life – while also talking to schools along the journey to discuss the issue of mental health.

Over recent years, the Fire have played an active role in trying to break down the stigma of mental health and to use their position as healthy, positive, female role models to broaden the conversation on suicide prevention.

Just back from the World Cup in Spain, Madgen, who was a part of Australia’s silver medal winning campaign, said she was glad the club had a platform to provide a voice to some of the community’s most vulnerable.

“I think it’s really important to ask people how they’re going every day and if you are struggling or having a hard time to be able to speak to people and seek help,” Madgen said.

“We’re not walking too far, but just any awareness we can raise for this cause is awesome.”

Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 (available 24/7) if you are feeling suicidal or in crisis.

Click here to learn more about The Peter Project.