It was a fantastic moment at the Brownlow Medal count last night when Bedford Ambassador, Reilly O'Brien, was announced as the 2024 winner of the Jim Stynes Community Leadership award!
The Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award recognises current AFL and AFLW players who demonstrate a commitment to the community and helping others. Not only is Reilly a Bedford Ambassador, but he is also the Ambassador for Open Parachute – a mental health program delivered throughout secondary schools in South Australia.
A hallmark of Reilly's approach is his willingness to openly share with students his own mental health struggles. As a respected sporting and public figure, his role modelling encourages others to follow his lead, which brings the realisation that you’re not alone, and helps those who need it to take one step closer to seeking support, if required.
Here at Bedford Group, we know how important mental health is, and how normalising conversations about mental health can make a real impact on individuals and communities, and we applaud Reilly’s work in this area.
Since joining as a Bedford Ambassador in February, Reilly has immersed himself in the Bedford community, attending events and visiting numerous metro and regional Bedford sites meeting with employees and clients. He has proven to be a most popular Ambassador in the Bedford community, and his visits are highly anticipated!
At the commencement of his ambassadorship, Reilly said: “To be able to help out, even in a small way, is a real privilege and something I'm greatly looking forward to.”
Reilly goes on to say he “…would love to grow the recognition of the great work Bedford does and continue to improve opportunities and outcomes for people living with disability.”
A big thank you to Reilly O’Brien from the Bedford community for his ongoing support and engagement with our mission to support people with disability to live the life they choose.
We could not be happier to have this much loved Adelaide Football Club player advocating on behalf of the Bedford community, and congratulate him on this much deserved award!
Main Image credit - Adelaide Football Club
