AFL star to visit Singleton for 'blokes only barbecue'
AFL legend and winner of this year's reality television hit show, "I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here", Brendan Fevola, will be in Singleton this month to discuss the highs and lows of his personal life, both on and off the field.
CatholicCare Social Services Hunter-Manning has invited the Coleman Medal Winner, now turned radio personality, to speak at a public forum "A Blokes Only Barbecue with Brendan Fevola."
The event, which will be free for men to attend, will include a presentation by Fevola as well as complimentary barbecue lunch.
"For many years Brendan Fevola had a reputation for being talented on the field, but reckless off it," CatholicCare Social Services Director, Helga Smit, said.
"He was involved in a number of controversial off-field incidents predominantly involving alcohol and/or gambling that led to the end of his AFL career, the breakdown of his marriage, the loss of his family and long periods of depression," Ms Smit said.
In fact during his time on "I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here", Fevola opened up about the mental health problems that effectively ended his AFL career.
During a discussion with his fellow contestants, Fevola stated that he has been diagnosed as having ADHD, but no longer takes medication for the disorder as he is "a bit more mellow" now.
It was not the first time Fevola had publicly discussed his personal challenges. In an interview that aired on "The Footy Show" in 2011, Fevola revealed he had lost almost a million dollars gambling, an addiction that almost drove him to suicide. He has also discussed his 60-day stay in rehabilitation, during which time he was sacked from the AFL, but stated this helped him turn things around.
"For many, these incidents in isolation would have been troubling enough, let alone combined and with the whole nation looking on," Ms Smit.
"Despite this, Fevola has turned his life around and is now well on the road to rebuilding his relationship with loved ones and has a steady career in the media industry.
"Regardless of whether you are a fan of AFL, Fevola's story is truly inspiring and his determination to rectify his turbulent past is admirable.
"CatholicCare is thrilled Fevola has accepted our invitation to share his story with people in the Upper Hunter. As an organisation that offers counselling and mental health programs, we believe it's important that people know that no matter what you are currently going through, it is never too late to ask for help and improve your life and mental wellbeing," Ms Smit said.
"A Blokes Only Barbecue with Brendan Fevola" will be held at Singleton Diggers on Sunday 19 June from midday. Entry is free for men to attend the event, which includes a complimentary barbecue luncheon, however spaces are limited and RSVP is essential. To secure your attendance you must RSVP to esnedden@catholiccare.org.au on or before Monday 13 June.
