Adelaide’s Reilly O’Brien has claimed the 2024 Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award on Monday night for his advocacy of mental health support in South Australian schools.
The 29-year-old Crows ruck has been an ambassador and lead facilitator for the Open Parachute Mental Health Program since its inception in 2022, which has grown by more than 200 per cent in the last two years – impacting more than 28,000 students across 40 schools that utilise the curriculum.
O’Brien has had a profound effect on students by openly discussing his own personal experiences with mental health challenges, with his honesty serving as a powerful tool to break down stigma and encourage open and vulnerable conversations.
His role as a prominent speaker at schools has been instrumental in encouraging other volunteers to participate while also inspiring teachers and principals to advocate for the program within their networks, leading to a greater uptake of the Open Parachute Mental Health Program throughout schools.
Inspired by the impact of the resilience workshops, O'Brien has taken it upon himself to provide training to Adelaide’s first-to-third-year players to become comfortable sharing their own stories with students across metropolitan Adelaide.
As a member of the club’s AFL leadership group, fostering a culture of giving back within the playing squad is an important focus for O'Brien. In this role he continues to support his teammates in their development to have candid discussions about their own vulnerabilities to support school-aged children.
In addition to his work with Open Parachute, O'Brien is also involved with other social welfare initiatives such as Bedford Industries – which is Australia’s second largest employer for people with a disability.
Fremantle’s Bailey Banfield, Sydney’s Harry Cunningham and brothers Tom (Gold Coast) and Jarrod Berry (Brisbane) were all finalists and recognised on the night for their significant contribution to the community and their nominated charities.
Proudly supported by Telstra and the Jim Stynes Foundation, O’Brien will receive $40,000 which will be donated to the charity or community program of his choice.
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon congratulated O’Brien on his outstanding community work and achievement.
“I’d like to congratulate Reilly for being named this year’s recipient of the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award,” Dillon said.
“Reilly is highly deserving of this prestigious accolade and should be very proud of the enormous impact he is having on school students across South Australia with the work he does for the Open Parachute Mental Health Program.
“Data shows two in five Australians have experienced a mental health challenge in their lifetime, so early education and encouraging open conversations is vitally important. For Reilly to draw upon his own experiences to help others and connect with young people reflects his character and embodies the work of the late Jim Stynes.
“I’d also like to take this opportunity to recognise and acknowledge all our finalists, Bailey, Harry, Tom and Jarrod. Footy is more than a game and we’re lucky to have so many incredible footballers who make a positive difference in the community and lives of others.”
Crows CEO Tim Silvers said O’Brien was a quality person who thoroughly deserved the recognition.
“We couldn’t be prouder of Reilly for the way he represents our Club and conducts himself on and off the field,” Silvers said.
“He epitomises everything about prioritising others and showing genuine care – which is one of our Club’s core values.
“His courage in sharing his own experiences has had a big impact on thousands of school students across the state, as well as some of his teammates, who now feel comfortable and confident to have their own conversations about mental health which is very powerful.”
Jim Stynes Foundation Chair Russel Howcroft said: “On behalf of the Jim Stynes Foundation, we would like to congratulate Reilly on the positive influence he has had on young Australians facing mental health challenges,” Howcroft said.
“Reilly’s openness in sharing his own experiences is a testament to his character and his passion for breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health.
“I know Jim would have been incredibly proud of the profound impact Reilly and all finalists have had on the community this year.”
Telstra Executive, Brent Smart said: “We are proud to honour Jim Stynes’ legacy in congratulating Reilly O’Brien, who lives out the values of this award by demonstrating the difference that one individual can make.
“Reilly’s incredible vulnerability to share his own story in order to lift others up and remove the stigma around mental health is something that has, and will continue to, change lives.
“We are delighted to be able to shine a light on such an important topic and recognise Reilly’s ongoing work to help people facing mental health challenges.”
The Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award has become the pinnacle of recognition of philanthropic achievements within the AFL community, named in honour of the late former Melbourne Football Club President and player, Jim Stynes. For the first time this year, two award winners will be announced across both the AFL and AFLW competitions, with the second winner named at the W Awards.
Past winners include Carlton’s Sam Docherty (2023), Geelong Cats’ Joel Selwood (2022), Port Adelaide’s Travis Boak (2021), Richmond’s Bachar Houli (2020), GWS GIANTS’ Stephen Coniglio (2019), Melbourne's Neville Jetta (2018), Port Adelaide's Jack Hombsch (2017), Geelong Cats’ Jimmy Bartel (2016), Carlton's Dennis Armfield (2015), West Coast Eagles' Beau Waters (2014), Gold Coast Suns' Zac Smith (2013) and Richmond's Daniel Jackson (2012).
About the Jim Stynes Foundation
The Jim Stynes Foundation (JSF) perpetuates the work of the late Jim Stynes. Like Jim, the Foundation supports disadvantaged youth through his passion for sport, his allies and his charitable inceptions.
Public in nature, the Jim Stynes Foundation is a Public Ancillary Fund (PuAF) that distributes funds to worthy and specifically chosen registered charities.
As a PuAF the public are invited to and can contribute to the Foundation. All contributions are then distributed to registered charities, as determined by the Foundation’s Board.
The 2024 Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award selection panel includes:
- (Chair) Trisha Squires – Head of AFL Queensland & International (non-voting member)
- Luke Darcy – Network Seven & Triple M
- Andrew Dillon – AFL CEO
- Jude Donnelly – AFL, Executive Manager Government and Stakeholder Relations
- Sarah Fair – AFL Executive General Manager – People
- Don McLardy – CEO McLardy McShane Insurance & Financial Services
- Neil Mitchell – Melbourne Broadcaster
- Brett Murphy – AFLPA Representative
- Sam Stynes – Jim Stynes Foundation Founder
- Kim Williams – ABC Chair and Former AFL Commissioner
