Ice baths and chalk messages: How Port Stephens Netball supports mental health

Starting with wellbeing

Port Stephens Netball Association joined Good Sports to formalise something it already believed – community sport shapes healthy habits.

“We recognised that community sport plays a vital role in shaping positive habits and behaviours,” Jodi Cassar, Association President says.

“We wanted to ensure our Association led by example.”

The Association identified mental health and member wellbeing as its biggest opportunity for improvement. So, it built its response around education.

Raising $25,000 for mental health charities

Now up to its third year, the Association's Mental Health and Wellbeing Round has raised more than $25,000 for local organisations. These include Talk2MeBro, Impact Academy Australia, UMatter Awareness and Jupiter Australia.

“What started as an idea to bring more attention to mental health in our community has become one of the most meaningful events on our calendar,” says Jodi.

Game-day announcements, social posts and courtside displays point members to local support services. Guest speakers run short, practical sessions on managing stress and seeking help early.

Creating powerful moments

On the day, chalk messages are written across the courts by athletes. The messages reflect what the round means to them.

They are simple messages, but they are powerful because they come directly from the players. 

“Those simple, visual moments help start conversations and remind people that support is available,” explains Jodi.

The Talk2MeBro ice baths are another moment people still talk about. They bring members together, create a bit of fun and challenge. This opens the door to conversations about mental health in a way that feels approachable. 

“And they all just love seeing their President Jodi Cassar dunked ever year!” says Jodi.

Each round, more players, families, volunteers and supporters get involved. It’s a way for the Association to show that wellbeing is part of who they are. It’s not just something they talk about once a year. 

It’s about making mental health visible, creating connection and reminding people that they are part of a community that cares.

How the Association made the shift

“Many of us have lost someone to mental health or know someone who struggles with it. Mental health is a serious topic. We wanted to approach it in a way that felt safe, respectful and useful for our members,” explains Jodi.

There was a challenge in shifting people’s thinking. It went from members seeing netball as just a sport to understanding the role a sporting community can play in wellbeing. 

The Association worked through that by keeping the message simple, consistent and visible. 

If there was any hesitation from members, it was mostly around how to start the conversation. 

“Once people saw that the round was about care, connection and support – not judgment – the response was overwhelmingly positive,” says Jodi.

A Gold association that leads with care

Accredited as a Gold Good Sports Club, Port Stephens Netball does not support fundraising or social activities involving alcohol. 

“Good Sport is about more than competition. It's about care, connection and belonging,” Jodi says. 

The Association says the influence of Good Sports has been powerful, shaping how it plans events and how members support one another. Not just on Mental Health Round day, but all year round.

The commitment to mental health carries on outside event times. Coaches and volunteers are trained to recognise signs of distress and can guide members toward professional support.

The club also covers mental health support and education in its Good Sports Policy, alongside alcohol management, smoking/vaping, illegal drugs and road safety. 

Advice for other clubs

“Our advice would be to start with your people and your purpose. You do not have to create something huge straight away. Start with one clear message, one local partnership or one event that helps your members feel supported.”

Jodi believes the most important thing is to make it genuine. 

“If your club community understands why you’re doing it, they will get behind it,” she says.

“For us, the Mental Health and Wellbeing Round works because it reflects what we already believe. That sport can help build connection, belonging and positive habits.”

At the start of each season, the Association makes sure health and wellbeing are part of planning. 

They take an athlete- and community-centred approach. This includes thinking about Good Sports policies, the events they run, the messages they share, and how coaches and volunteers can help guide members toward support when needed.