PIONEERS & CASTEC RURAL SUPPLIES CONTINUE TO HONOUR LIFELINE WITH THEIR FOCUS ON SUICIDE PREVENTION AND MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS THIS NAMING RIGHTS ROUND

Mount Gambier, SA – The Pioneers Basketball Club, together with long-time Naming Rights Partner Castec Rural Supplies, is proud to present the Lifeline Naming Rights Round, an annual highlight that shines a spotlight on suicide prevention and  mental health support and awareness.

The game will take place on Friday the 27th June at the Wulanda Recreation & Convention Centre when the Pioneers take on the Diamond Valley Eagles. The Pioneers Men’s Team will take the court in a special Lifeline designed uniform which will be made available for auction on the night.

The initiative forms a broader commitment by the Club and Castec Rural Supplies to amplify the work of Lifeline and the crisis support they provide particularly within regional and rural communities.

“We started the Castec Pioneers Lifeline game back in 2016 which has seen well over $30,000.00 donated to Lifeline,” said Chris Castine, Managing Director of Castec Rural Supplies.

 “This is an important organisation run by volunteers who do an amazing job, especially in regional Australia where a lot of their calls come from. Each year, over 1 million Australians reach out to Lifeline for support.

If we can help just that little bit here in the Limestone Coast and Western Victoria, so that there are enough volunteers to take the calls, then no person has to face their darkest moments alone. The Pioneers have been a great club to accompany with in getting our and Lifeline’s message out there and we thank them very much for what they also do in our community.” he added.

“Lifeline South East is proud to continue our strong association with the Pioneers and Castec Rural Supplies. Their commitment to our community goes beyond the game, using their profile to shine a light on the importance of suicide prevention and mental health awareness across the Limestone Coast. Their generous fundraising efforts help Lifeline provide crucial support, offering hope and a compassionate ear to those facing life’s darkest moments. We are deeply grateful for their leadership and dedication to this vital cause.” said Leah Griffin, CEO, Lifeline South East.

The Lifeline Game has been a fixture on the Pioneers calendar for over a decade, with Castec Rural Supplies leading the way as a dedicated advocate for suicide prevention and mental health awareness within the region. As Naming Rights Partner of the Pioneers Men's Program since 2011, Castec has not only backed the Club's on-court success but also used its platform to support crucial causes through community and sport.

Castec’s partnership with Lifeline extends beyond the local region, with the company’s broader affiliation with CRT (Combined Rural Traders) reinforcing its commitment to the wellbeing of Australia’s rural communities. 

CRT, Australia’s largest group of independent rural retailers, has supported Lifeline nationally through various awareness campaigns and fundraising efforts.

Throughout the night, fans will have the opportunity to bid in a live auction for the game worn singlets, with 100% of proceeds donated directly to Lifeline to support its 24/7 crisis support services. In 2024 the Lifeline game delivered almost $7,500 through the auction of the player singlets. 

Each year, this event provides an important platform to remind people across the Limestone Coast and beyond that help is always available. With Castec Rural Supplies’ unwavering support, the Pioneers are proud to collaborate and be part of a national conversation on mental health while empowering our fans, families, and local communities by playing our part.

To learn more about the event or how to support, please visit: link