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This event holds special significance as it honours the memory of Isaac Branch, a beloved former SEDA student who passed in 2023 due to mental health challenges. Isaac, a graduate of SEDA in 2021, was recognized with the esteemed Accountability Award upon completing his studies, making this initiative all the more poignant for our community.

Staff and students showed their support by wearing their favourite sports jerseys and contributing a gold coin donation. These donations directly fuel vital mental health research, making a tangible impact on understanding and addressing mental wellness challenges. In addition, students actively engaged in MyDevelopment sessions, fostering greater awareness and dialogue surrounding mental health within our community.

The fundraiser was organised by SEDA College WA teacher Haydn Slodecki, who teaches SEDA’s MultiSport Program in Bunbury and was Isaac’s teacher. “I think Isaac would be extremely proud of the work we are doing in this space,” said Haydn when discussing the results of the initiative.

The fundraiser was a resounding success, bringing in a total of $1,021. Nearly half of the donations came from the students’ gold coin contributions, while the other half came from members of the College community. We are incredibly thankful for their support, which underscores the collective commitment to this crucial cause.

“It is a truly wonderful thing you are doing,” said the family of Isaac Branch. “Our wish is that the work you are putting in to support the mental health of your students helps to protect them and gives them the skills and strategies they need to work through things in a healthy way.”

“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

Georgia Gibson of the Black Dog Institute also expressed their gratitude, stating, “We are grateful for the contribution SEDA College has made in support of mental health research and suicide prevention. Your support will enable our dedicated researchers to continue investigating mental health across the lifespan so their treatments, resources, and science-backed support services can make a difference in the lives that need it the most.”

For those struggling with their mental health, the Black Dog Institute has a number of useful resources on their website.

SEDA College is proud to stand together in memory of Isaac Branch and to contribute to a cause that aims to make a difference in the lives of those struggling with mental health issues. Thank you to everyone who participated and supported this heartfelt fundraiser. For those who wish to make further donations to the cause, you can visit our Fundraising page here.