The NSW Rugby League Foundation has donated $10,000 to the Gotcha4Life Foundation which has seen Gus Worland team up with Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues Coach Brad Fittler to help improve the mental fitness of the Rugby League community.
Fittler and Worland, the Gotcha4Life Chairman and Founder, began working together in the months leading up to the 2020 Ampol State of Origin Series visiting Rugby League clubs and communities in Griffith, Canberra, Queanbeyan and Tumut who had experienced challenging times.
NSWRL Foundation Chairman, the Hon. John Ajaka, also the President of the NSW Legislative Council, made the grant presentation to Worland at Parliament House this week.
“This is a wonderful partnership which allows Gotcha4Life to use the reach of the NSW Rugby League (NSWRL) for positive community good,” he said.
“2020 has been a particularly challenging time for everyone in the community, of all ages, and we believe it is very important to provide all the support we can for our Rugby League family.
“The Gotcha4Life program, driven and delivered by Gus Worland, in conjunction with Brad Fittler, is very powerful and will help to make a difference to those who need it.”
Worland said he was grateful for the opportunity to join with the NSWRL and work together to build greater social connections and stronger mental fitness.
“Gotcha4Life’s vision is focussed on a society where people are open, honest and supportive in their relationships and comfortable to express themselves when they are not ok, and our partnership with NSWRL provides a wonderful platform to communicate this vision and see real behavioural change,” Worland said.
“I’ve been so impressed with the stories of male and female rugby league players over the years, who have been comfortable in expressing their feelings, encouraging the public and their fans that it’s OK to speak up and ask for help if they need it.
“It’s the smart thing to do and ultimately, it improves their lives and the lives of those around them.”
