In 2018, we were connected with the Gotcha4Life Foundation (https://www.gotcha4life.org/) who are an inspiring not for profit specialising in helping save the lives of males throughout Australia. The statistics surrounding mental health are truly shocking with over 3100 people taking their own lives each year, of which 75% are male. In the 15-44 age group for men there are 6 suicides each day, which is just hard to comprehend.

Gus and Vicky Worland have been passionate advocates for Gotcha4Life and have provided invaluable support to Manly Rugby. They also helped us link with a skilled mental well-being organization, Tomorrow Man. In 2018, Gotcha4Life also provided some financial support which subsidised two of the workshops we ran with Tomorrow Man.

In the 2019 season we cemented the relationship with Gotcha4Life and they are an official sponsor partner and you will see them proudly positioned as a Back of Jersey sponsor on shirt no.13

Recently Gotcha4Life appointed Tim Hodgson as their CEO and he attended our Ladies’ Day and Mental Health Day at Manly Oval when we took on Southern Districts. Many of you may already know Tim from his previous role where he was Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer for Invictus Games Sydney 2018.

The Manly Marlins are proud to champion mental health awareness, working to create a stronger, more connected community. In partnership with Gotcha4Life and with the support of the NSW Government, we’re ensuring that mental fitness is a key priority both on and off the field.

Recently, we were honored to host NSW Minister for Mental Health, Bronnie Taylor, and Manly MP James Griffin, who joined us at the Marlins to spotlight the importance of mental health initiatives. Their visit underscored the critical work being done through programs like the Mental Fitness Program, which equips individuals with the tools and knowledge to build resilience and foster supportive networks.

The Marlins are also engaged in the Community Awareness & Support Program, using rugby as a platform to connect with youth and residents, delivering powerful messages about mental health, inclusion, and well-being. With such incredible backing from government leaders and organizations like Gotcha4Life, we’re making significant strides in ensuring no one in our community feels alone.

Together, with the support of our players, fans, and partners, the Manly Marlins are leading the charge to tackle mental health challenges—one conversation at a time.