The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have joined forces with 13YARN (13 92 76) to provide support for our Indigenous Community at times when they might need it the most.
13YARN is a new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander focused crisis support phone service that is available for people of Indigenous background to use if they are having trouble coping or need assistance through a difficult time in their life. 13YARN provides a 24/7, free to access from all mobiles and landline, culturally sensitive service that offers a confidential one-on-one opportunity to seek help at a time of need.
13YARN will partner with the Bulldogs for Indigenous Round to promote the service to Indigenous Australians and the wider community.
Four Bulldogs players in Josh Addo-Carr, Braidon Burns, Bailey Biondi-Odo and Josh Cook, will all wear a 13YARN mouthguard on Sunday, featuring their own totem.
The 13YARN team came down to Belmore on Thursday to help launch the initiative with our four Indigenous players, and we were treated to them bringing along highly respected elder Uncle Stephen Ridgeway Snr.
Ridgeway is one exceptional Australian, having captained the first Indigenous All Stars team in 1973 that toured New Zealand, and he was also an integral member of the Redfern All Blacks team from the 1960’s and 70’s that was often considered an unbeatable force.
He remembers our very own Josh Addo-Carr growing up in his community as a young boy, and was reminiscent of his previous visit to Belmore Sports Ground, some 50 years ago.
“I am excited to see Josh out on the field this Sunday at Belmore” Ridgeway said.
“This place has a lot of history and hasn’t changed since I was here in the 60’s”
Aunty Marjorie Anderson will also attend the match against the Dragons at Belmore (2pm), to talk about the partnership on behalf of 13YARN and what it is all about.
If you, or someone you know, are feeling worried or no good, we encourage you to connect with 13YARN on 13 92 76 (24 hours/7 days) and talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter.
For more info about the service, please go to their website: www.13yarn.org.au
