WCC celebrated for Mental Health and Wellbeing program

WARRANDYTE Cricket Club (WCC) has not only had a good result on the pitch, but off the pitch as well.
The club has been recognised and celebrated at the Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s Good Sports Award, picking up the Mental Health Excellence Award.
The club has received this national award for its strong commitment to raising mental health awareness, sharing mental health resources, and helping to prevent and reduce harms from alcohol and other drugs.
WCC’s Mental Health and Welfare Officer, Rachel Watts, said she was proud of the club for being recognised for its work in the mental health space, as it has been a big focus over recent years.

“Our club raises awareness about mental health and the connection between alcohol, drug use and wellbeing through education, culture, and practical support,”
“Our dedicated Welfare Team leads our mental health program and offers members up to three fully funded counselling sessions with a local psychologist, along with referral support.
“We also run a range of workshops to reinforce resilience, help-seeking, and the risks associated with alcohol and other drug use.”

She said part of the program is the Thursday night club meal, designed to build social connections without alcohol being the focus.
“These evenings provide a safe, supportive environment where members can talk openly and check in on each other.”
Having reached the highest level of the Good Sports program, WCC has policies that cover mental health, as well as alcohol and tobacco management, illegal drugs, and safe transport.
“Good Sports has helped us build a club environment where health, safety, and connection are prioritised, on and off the field,” Ms Watts said.

“We are deeply invested in our members, their wellbeing, and the community we serve.
“Our guiding philosophy sums it up perfectly: there is a place for everybody at the Warrandyte Cricket Club.”

She attended the award ceremony at Parliament House, Canberra, in late March, along with club President Luke Warren.
The award includes a cash prize, which will go towards mental health support for members and the club’s girls’ program — specifically to buy new kit for the girls’ teams.
Ms Watts said WCC hoped to expand the girls’ cricket program to two teams for the 2026/27 season.
The Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s Victoria Manager, Skye Mackay, applauded the Good Sports award finalists, saying they should all be incredibly proud of their achievements.

“The Good Sports Awards give winning clubs and volunteers the recognition they deserve.
“Their commitment to building healthy and family-friendly environments is truly inspiring,”

Ms Watts said they were really honoured to receive the award.

“The club has an active wellbeing team, which has worked hard to promote mental health and wellbeing and reduce stigma, so it’s nice to have this work recognised.
“There’s always more for all sporting clubs to do in this space, and being alongside other award winners at Parliament House was really inspiring and gave us lots of ideas for how to continue to foster a positive, safe and welcoming culture at our club.”