Stick with it: No one suffers alone
The Goanna Academy has launched Stick With It for 2026 — the campaign that turns a simple piece of strapping tape into a national symbol of mental resilience, calling on NRL and NRLW players, fans and communities to show up for those who are struggling.
Founded by proud Dunghutti and Kamilaroi man and NRL Hall of Famer Greg Inglis, Goanna Academy is Australia’s first Indigenous-owned preventative mental health education provider.
Its mission is simple: No One Suffers Alone.
Suicide is the leading cause of death among Australians aged 15–44. Nine Australians lose their life to suicide every day. More than 150 attempt it.
This July, Goanna Academy is asking players, fans and communities to tape up — wrapping strapping tape on the wrist as a visible reminder to stick with your mental health, and to stick by those around you when they need it most.
Making the invisible visible
Every piece of merchandise sold and every dollar donated goes directly to Goanna Academy to fund mental health education programs, reaching new schools, new communities and more people with the tools to ask for help.
The campaign runs from June 30 through to early August 2026, with major NRL Round 22 and NRLW Round 5 activations across 30 July – 2 August.
Goanna Academy Founder Greg Inglis said the campaign is about making the invisible visible.
“Because mental health issues aren’t really visible. So strapping tape is a way to bring it to life. You put it on your wrist and you’re saying — I’m in this with you. I’m not going anywhere,” he said.
Inglis said the response from the rugby league community had been overwhelming, and called on everyone to go further in 2026.
“We all want to do something positive. And this is one way I believe we can help. When you tape up, when you donate, when you wear the merch — you’re helping us reach more communities, deliver more programs and make sure more people know they don’t have to go through this alone.”
“We’ve been brought up to be warriors and leaders, so we don’t want to show that side of us. Especially as young men, we’re told to suck it up and keep moving forward. That’s been passed down from generation to generation. We have to be better for our younger generations coming through. Speak up. Check in. Don’t make it a one-and-done thing.”
“A small act can change a life. It can save a life. That’s what this is about. Sticking with it.”
Mental Health in Australia — The Facts
- Nine Australians lose their life to suicide every day
- More than 150 Australians attempt suicide every day
- Suicide is the leading cause of death among Australians aged 15–44
- Three in four Australians who die by suicide are male
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples experience suicide rates around twice that of non-Indigenous Australians
- People living in very remote Australia experience suicide rates more than twice as high as those in major cities
How to Get Involved
- Tape up — wrap strapping tape on your wrist as a visible sign of support
- Donate at goannaacademy.org.au
- Shop Stick With It merch — tape, hats, socks and stickers available online
- Share your story with #StickWithIt
About Goanna Academy
Goanna Academy is Australia’s first Indigenous-owned preventative mental health education provider, founded by proud Dunghutti and Kamilaroi man and NRL Hall of Fame inductee Greg Inglis.
Through culturally safe, evidence-informed programs delivered in schools, communities, workplaces and on Country, Goanna Academy is building stronger, more connected communities across Australia.
