The Narromine Gorillas have started their season magnificently – undefeated in both in first and second grade after six rounds.
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However equally as impressive is the work they are doing off the field with their strong support of the ‘Beat the Breakdown’ charity alongside the Browning Family.
For five years now the Gorillas have been playing a ‘Beat the Breakdown’ match raising money for mental health within the local community.
After last years very successful event - of which nearly $18,000 was raised through donations and Jersey auctions – the club has put the money towards running workshops for students in years 10, 11 and 12 at four local high schools this year.
Previously the club have funded mental first aid courses, the refurbishment of the Narromine Health Centre waiting room and medical room chair, as well as promotion of R U Ok and supporting local families.
The group have also paired up with an organisation ‘Tomorrow Man’ and have run a workshop at Narromine, Trangie, Gilgandra and Warren high-schools aimed at breaking the stigma around male silence and encouraging young men to speak up about their struggles.
It's great to be finally practicing what we are preaching, getting out within the community and really ‘beating the breakdown'.
- Billy Browning
The club’s Billy Browning said the response was really impressive and found it great to see students getting behind the cause.
“We feel as club we are finally making a difference within the community,” Mr Browning said.
“It was so successful we will be putting more funding towards follow up sessions at these high schools.
“It’s great to be finally practicing what we are preaching, getting out within the community and really ‘beating the breakdown’,” he said.
Mr Browning said they are hoping to host a community event in August to tie the workshops together.
“It’s really fantastic stuff. Put the 7th of July in your diaries for this year’s charity match,” said Mr Browning.
“We have some big plans for 2018 they will be announced soon.”
For the time being head on down to Cale Oval to support the Gorillas.