Preventive Health SA: Keith Football Club

Recently, we headed back to Keith to deliver the mental health component of our Preventive Health SA funding. 

Working alongside the Keith Football Club, the weekend focused on something incredibly important: creating opportunities for connection, conversation and community support in rural areas. 

One of the highlights was welcoming former AFL captain Tom Jonas to Keith to host a football clinic - the kids absolutely loved every minute of it. From running drills and kicking the footy to hearing stories from someone who has played at the elite level, it was an experience they won’t forget anytime soon. 

Following training, everyone gathered for dinner at the clubrooms, where Tom shared his own personal experiences throughout his football career - the highs, the setbacks, and the challenges he faced along the way. His honesty was a powerful reminder that everyone experiences struggles at different points in life, even elite athletes who may appear confident and successful from the outside. There was something incredibly valuable about hearing those conversations in a rural football club setting. We hope those stories gave people in the room reassurance, confidence, and the understanding that they are not alone in what they may be navigating. 

Tom Jonas talking to members of the Keith Football Club community.

The following morning, we were up bright and early for a Walk and Talk session with Michael. These walks have become such an important part of what we do - a place where conversations can happen naturally, side-by-side rather than face-to-face. Sometimes the simple act of getting outside, moving your body and walking alongside others makes it easier to talk about the things that are on your mind, which usually are the ones that matter the most. 

And of course, no early morning walk is complete without coffee and breakfast afterwards. A huge thank you to Harvest Providore for looking after us with fantastic coffee and breakfast. It was the perfect reward for those willing to start their day a little earlier than usual, and another opportunity for the community to sit together, connect and continue the conversations. 

Weekends like this reinforce why community-led health initiatives matter so much in regional Australia. Whether it’s through sport, movement, shared meals, or honest storytelling, creating spaces where people feel supported and connected can have a lasting impact. 

We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who came along, supported the activities, and welcomed us so warmly once again. And a special thank you to Preventive Health SA for making initiatives like these possible and helping us continue bringing meaningful health and wellbeing conversations into rural communities.