Wests Tigers players Matt Ballin and Nathan Milone were guests at a special NAIDOC Week event in Redfern on Friday.
Ballin and Milone were on hand at the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence to help spread the message of how important it is to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues in young Australians.
The pair spoke with a group of young people about their experiences and how important it is to break down the barriers surrounding mental health.
Ballin is an NRL State of Mind Ambassador and does extensive work in the community on mental health issues.
The National Centre of Indigenous Excellence (NCIE) is built on the land of the Gadigal of the Eora Nation. Since opening in 2010, it has had over 20,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people participate in life-changing programs, community forums and local events at our Centre in Redfern.
Through the Centre's partners, it has impacted thousands more young Indigenous people around Australia, supporting collaborators to build capabilities and liberate possibilities.
NAIDOC week is celebrated between July 3 and 10, and celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
NAIDOC is celebrated not only in Indigenous communities but by Australians from all walks of life. The week is a great opportunity to participate in a range of activities and to support the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
