Two Indigenous sports stars are helping to put the spotlight on the disproportionately high number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men who suffer from depression and die by suicide.
Ex-world champion boxer Anthony Mundine and former AFL player Andrew Krakouer will be presented with awards at the Men in Black Ball being held in Perth on June 25.
In its 14th year, the annual event is run by the Momentum for Australia charity, in support of men’s mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
One in Australian men will experience depression in their lifetime, and every day seven men die by suicide.
But for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the statistics are even more sobering, with their rate of suicide nearly twice that of others — and 70% of them occurring in men.
Depression and anxiety can affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men for a range of reasons, some linked to housing, money and employment difficulties which can compound generations of trauma, grief and loss.
Momentum for Australia founder Barbara McNaught said the awards would recognise two extraordinary men who had turned their lives around and were now sharing their experiences to empower and inspire others.
Mundine is this year’s Momentum Most Inspiring Man of the Year, an award given to a man who has excelled in his chosen field of work, either professional or private, despite setbacks and hardships.
He is being recognised for his efforts to re-empower communities and workplaces.
Despite Mundine’s controversial past, he has been giving back to the community to become a positive role model, including mentoring young Indigenous people to help them find sustainable employment.
Ex Richmond and Collingwood AFL player Andrew Krakouer is receiving the Momentum Visionary Man of the Year award to recognise for his efforts to overcome adversity and become an inspiration to others.
Krakouer is now a motivational speaker, sharing his journey from prisoner to AFL star. He works with the Zancott Foundation, which empowers First Nations people through employment.
He also co-hosts Yokayi Footy, a talk show that provides a First Nations perspective on football.
Both men will receive their awards at the gala ball, which includes a charity auction and raffle, at Crown Towers on June 25. For tickets go to www.mfproductions.com.au.