June is traditionally quiet at Kembla Grange with just two meetings on the calendar but since the introduction of The Race Against Suicide Raceday last year, it has become the second most talked about month after November.
The event, which will be held on Saturday, 20th June 2026, was established to raise awareness and vital funds for mental health and wellbeing initiatives in the Illawarra Region. One in two Australians will experience a mental health condition at some point in their lifetime and a race meeting provides the ideal opportunity to approach the issue in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
The Race Against Suicide Raceday has several elements to help fulfill its purpose including the presence of local support services and charities. They set up marquees on the Public Lawn so racegoers can learn about the resources available and chat to representatives about their needs. Racing NSW’s peer support program, Racing Mates, hosts a barbecue in the stables for industry participants.
In its inaugural year, more than $50,000 was raised which was used to support a young family devastated by suicide as well as fund four local mental health and wellbeing initiatives.
Eclipse is a support program facilitated by Lifeline South Coast for adults who have survived a suicide attempt. Participants complete an eight-week course with trained facilitators to build connections with others who have faced the same challenges, reduce stigma and shame, inspire hope, and build community connectedness. The donation from The Race Against Suicide Raceday has funded the expansion of the program as well as local promotion to ensure those who need it most are aware it’s there for them.
Raising The Bar Foundation’s new veteran care and social connection program, Lawn Duty provides free lawn mowing services to elderly and isolated veterans in the Illawarra Region to ease financial pressure and ensure regular, meaningful interactions. Thanks to funding from The Race Against Suicide Raceday 346 lawns have been mowed and eight overgrown war memorials restored.
Talk2MeBro’s mission is to reduce suicide to zero by providing support services, community connection opportunities, and mental health first aid courses. Since receiving funding from The Race Against Suicide Raceday Talk2MeBro has been able to expand its women’s programs which focus on mental health education, peer connection, and resilience-building. Among them is the free fortnightly catchups at Wollongong Beach which incorporate breathwork and ice baths help participants with emotional regulation and overall wellbeing. More than 600 extra women have been able to take part in these programs thanks to increased frequency and capacity.
The Man Walk combats social isolation and loneliness with free walk, talk, and support sessions for men. Participation in this initiative is growing daily and The Race Against Suicide Raceday has funded the expansion of its network from seven to nine locations in the Illawarra Region. It has also funded a Team Walk Leadership Course to provide in-depth training around suicide prevention, crisis response, and referral pathways.
All four funding recipients from 2025 are on board again for this year’s event which will take place on Saturday, 20th June. The official luncheon, which sold out in 2025, has been moved from the A.J. “Bert” Lillye Lounge to Level One. The area combines the Dining Room and the Grandstand Bistro, allowing an extra 200 seats to cater to demand. The function will be hosted by i98FM’s Christian and Bella.
Craig Hamilton to Share His Story
Renowned mental health advocate and author Craig Hamilton has been secured as the keynote speaker for The Race Against Suicide Raceday official luncheon. The Novocastrian will be sharing his experience navigating mental illness, which started in 2000 at the height of his sports broadcasting career. On the eve of the Sydney Olympics, which was to be his most significant assignment, he suffered a public breakdown. He spent 12 days in hospital, missed the Olympics, and was diagnosed with depression, bi-polar disorder, and anxiety. From then, Craig made it his life’s work to create awareness and challenge perceptions about people with mental health conditions. He has written two books, had his story turned into a documentary titled The Promise, and travels Australia sharing insights and offering hope to others.
The Big Walk to Finish at Kembla Grange
At 4:45am on Saturday 20th June participants in The Man Walk’s Big Walk will set off from North Wollongong Surf Lifesaving Club for a 35km journey to Kembla Grange Racecourse. Every step aims to raise funds, awareness, and make sure men know they’re not walking through the hard stuff alone. The Man Walk’s Big Walk will conclude at the Race Against Suicide Raceday where spectators will surround the mounting yard to cheer participants in.