Judgment-free zone

Maroubra Movement
Driven. Inspirational. Generous.

From the outside, Bailey Fitzgerald looked just fine. He had been vice-captain of his high school, had captained representative footy teams and he had a supportive family and circle of friends.

In reality, he was battling severe anxiety and depression, and he was worried about what people would think if they knew.

But he sought help. And now, aged just 21, he is giving back.

Bailey has bravely launched the Maroubra Movement, which holds monthly seminars to increase mental health awareness and bring people together in a judgment-free zone to create a community in which they feel comfortable to seek help for themselves or friends and family.

“Having gone through years of my own mental health battles, and through being affected by suicide in my friendship circles, I felt I could use my position in the community to put a program together that is relatable and people would gravitate to,” Bailey says.

There were two seminars before the COVID-19 disruptions. The first was on alcohol and other drugs. At the second, inspirational speaker Dan Price shared his mental health journey to wellness. R U OK? ambassador Kevin Heath was the MC and there were two psychologists on hand to offer support.

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. The Maroubra Movement will use its grant to market the seminars, provide food for guests and buy branded merchandise.

If you need support, please phone Lifeline: 13 11 14

For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here