Cameron Smith helps raise over $10,000 for Fraser Coast Mates Rugby League great and future immortal Cameron Smith joined the Advertiser Club last Friday night for a special fundraising event, to benefit local community organisation Fraser Coast Mates. Expertly interviewed by Ben Ikin, Cameron gave an insight into the world of professional rugby league, but also gave the packed audience a peek behind the scenes and the challenges of juggling family and work life as a professional athlete. Sponsored by Bob’s Tyres and TJM, the event brought together hundreds of Hervey Bay’s leading businesspeople, all with the goal of supporting Fraser Coast Mates against a fun and entertaining backdrop. Fraser Coast Mates was formed by a group of local community members concerned by the rise of debilitating mental health
issues and rising suicide rates, especially in men, across the Fraser Coast region. Their aim is to build awareness about men’s mental health issues, bridge the gap between support services and give mates the tools to help their friends and colleagues when they may be struggling. Just over $10,000 was raised on the night, enabling Fraser Coast Mates to provide over 100 hours of free counselling to those in need. Fraser Coast Mates spokesperson Darren Bosley thanked the Advertiser Club and the attendees for their support. ‘This is really an incredible result for us and we cannot thank the community enough for its support. We rely on generous donations such as this, to do the work we do and this certainly makes a big difference’.