NT Cricket is proud to launch its inaugural Mental Health Matches, a community-wide initiative aimed at raising awareness and support for mental health through the power of sport.
NT Cricket Joins Forces with Beyond Blue
Proudly supporting Beyond Blue, the Mental Health Matches will take place across the Darwin and District Cricket Competition from Friday, 27 June to Sunday, 6 July.
This campaign encourages clubs, players, and supporters to start conversations, share stories, and support those affected by mental health challenges.
Why It Matters
Whether it's a teammate, family member, or ourselves, nearly all of us have been impacted by mental health.
NT Cricket’s collaboration with Beyond Blue aims to:
- Foster a healthy culture within the sport and broader community
- Reduce stigma and encourage open, honest conversations
- Connect people with trusted support services when they need it most
- Fundraise for Beyond Blue so that everyone in Australia can access free 24/7 support when they need it.
What Clubs Are Doing
All clubs in the Darwin & Districts Cricket Competition (DDCC) have been invited to take part in a variety of campaign activities. These include:
- Nominating player ambassadors to encourage conversations and build support structures at their clubs.
- Sharing branded content and key messages on their social media platforms
- Activating match day engagement by wearing blue-themed items, starting conversations, and collecting donations
As part of the activation, the leading run scorer, wicket taker, and catcher from each A Grade, B Grade, and Women’s Division 1 and 2 match will wear a blue Beyond Blue cap while fielding.
Karl Mayne, Head of Clubs and Competitions at NT Cricket, said:
“Partnering with Beyond Blue allows us to bring important conversations into our cricket community and show that seeking help is a sign of strength.
We’re proud to see clubs stepping up to lead these discussions. It’s a powerful reminder that sport can be a platform for change.
Whether it’s a wristband, a flyer, or a blue cap on match day, every small gesture helps break down stigma and build connection.”
Beyond Blue clinical spokesperson, Dr Luke Martin said:
“We’re delighted to be supporting NT Cricket for the Mental Health Match rounds of the Darwin & District Cricket Competition.
“Local sports clubs can offer a safe, inclusive environment for young people and their families. By teaming up with these clubs, we can connect with the community from the ground up and help build young people’s understanding of mental health. Together, we can shift attitudes, break down stigma, and build a culture where open conversations are the norm—and seeking support early is a sign of strength.
“We’re grateful for donations through Mental Health Match rounds which goes towards delivering the free 24/7 Beyond Blue Support Service to make sure support is always available to everyone who needs it.”
Support Your Club
You can contribute by donating directly to your club’s campaign via the Mental Health Match platform:
- NT Cricket
- Waratah Cricket Club
- Tracy Village Cricket Club
- Southern Districts Cricket Club
- PINT Cricket Club
- Palmerston Cricket Club
- Nightcliff Cricket Club
- Darwin Cricket Club
- NT Cricket Match Officials
About Beyond Blue
Beyond Blue is one of Australia’s most trusted mental health organisations. Through its 24/7 support services, advocacy, and education, Beyond Blue helps more than 750 people a day navigate anxiety, depression, and related conditions. Their Support Sevice is free and entirely funded by community donations.
Fast Facts:
- 1 in 2 Australians will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime
- Over 5 million Australians are living with anxiety or depression
- On average, 9 Australians die by suicide every day
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Community donations enable more than 275,000 life-changing conversations each year
Join Us
NT Cricket invites the entire community to participate in this initiative. Whether you’re a player, parent, or volunteer, your involvement matters.
Let’s use cricket as a force for good and help shape a culture where mental health is supported, not stigmatised.
For more information or to get involved, contact: ntcricket@ntcricket.com.au