WHERE There's a Will's (WTAW) Pauline Carrigan is calling on the community to be part of the "new future of resilience" this weekend.
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At Monday's launch of the third annual Bengalla Hunter Valley Group 21 Rugby League WTAW round, the organisation's co-founder commended the sporting fraternity for joining them on their important journey.
All the clubs - Aberdeen, Denman, Greta Branxton, Merriwa, Murrurundi, Muswellbrook, Scone and Singleton - will take part in the concept again, not only amassing funds but also lifting awareness of the locally-based not-for-profit organisation.
Over the past two seasons, more than $100,000 has been amassed.
"This all started out with Group 21 coming on board to raise money so WTAW could support the schools to do the work we were undertaking," Mrs Carrigan said.
"Now, it's evolved into something so beautiful and so wonderful.
"It's great to be a part of.
"For me, the money raised during this round is awesome because it helps WTAW.
"But, the messaging to the rest of Australia this weekend is the biggest thing we're offering.
"We need to support one another through tough times because, whether we like it or not, we'll have tough times in our life."
WTAW's mission is to effect cultural change in the Upper Hunter through improved literacy of wellbeing and mental health in schools, families and the community.
And, it's making a huge impact in the region, thanks to initiatives such as the WTAW round.
"We talk about that word 'resilience'," Mrs Carrigan said.
"But, what is it?
"One of the major things we need to be resilient is a support network.
"No one is building a support network for their kids better than Group 21.
"On the weekend, for instance, we've got parents, grandparents, cousins, uncles and children - as well as men who the boys look up to and women who the girls look up to - all in the one spot at Scone.
"And, we're all there for mental ill-health.
"We're acknowledging 'ok, there'll be tough times in our life where we're going to need one another'.
"So, let's not just talk about that word 'resilience', let's start living it."
Mr Carrigan, meanwhile, said it would be remiss to ignore the commitment and hard work of Mick Reynolds - and everyone else involved in the weekend.
"He, along with the Group 21 clubs, officials and players, junior league and Jason Croucher, has done a terrific job," the co-founder added.
"It's terrific to see each team represented here [today].
"In fact, without Mick, this [concept] wouldn't be where it is today.
"I know it was his baby - and he's really followed it through.
"He's got the league community together.
"Everyone's come on board; they're all 110 and 120 per cent behind it.
"Pauline and I can't express our thanks enough.
"It certainly makes us proud to live in the Hunter Valley."
Where There's a Will draw (round nine)
Saturday - June 29
(at Murrurundi)
3.10pm: reserve grade, Murrurundi v Merriwa
6.30pm: league, tag, Murrurundi v Merriwa
(at Scone)
1pm: league tag, Scone v Muswellbrook
2pm: under-18s, Scone v Muswellbrook
3.10pm: reserve grade, Scone v Muswellbrook
4.40pm: first grade, Scone v Singleton
Sunday - June 30
(at Aberdeen)
10.20am: league tag, Aberdeen v Denman
11.20am: under-18s, Aberdeen v Denman
12.30pm: reserve grade, Aberdeen v Denman
2pm: first grade, Aberdeen v Denman
(at Singleton)
11.30am: reserve grade, Singleton v Greta Branxton
