Sport
16 October, 2026
Carnival focuses on mental health
THE 15th annual ‘Diamonds in the Sky (DITS) Suicide Intervention Carnival’ lit up Innisfail State College with fast paced basketball action and powerful messages of hope, connection and community.
Held just after World Suicide Prevention Day, the carnival once again blended sport with suicide prevention awareness, honouring lives lost while strengthening community resilience.
The opening ceremony set a reflective tone, with MC Tania Ramsey welcoming players and supporters, an address by Cr Jeff Baines from Cassowary Coast Regional Council, followed by an opening message from CORES Australia facilitator Bronwyn Philpot and a prayer led by Joe Nucifora.
This year’s carnival drew a strong field: six men’s teams, four under-18 boys’ teams, four ladies’ and under-18 girls’ teams, and for the first time, three under-12 teams, including two local boys’ sides and one girls’ team.
Teams travelled from Mareeba, Atherton, Cooktown and Yarrabah, adding to the competitive spirit.
On the court, Cooktown Salties claimed the women’s final over Yarrabah Starlets, Titans defeated Baller Boyz in the under-18 boys’ final, Queens Warriors took out the men’s final against Yarrabah PCYC and Hoop Starz triumphed over Rizing Starz in the under-12s.
Guest speaker Gill Townsend, a long time advocate for suicide prevention and mental health, brought more than 40 years of experience to her address.
“It’s time to have new conversations about how we work together to build communities where we can thrive,” she said.
“Every act of kindness can be an act of suicide prevention.”
A deeply emotional moment came when carnival organiser Trevor Philpot announced he would be stepping down after 15 years. His message resonated across the courts.
“Suicide is not simply a statistic. Behind every number is a human story… the absence of someone’s laughter around the dinner table, the silence where a familiar voice used to be,” he said.
Despite the sadness, he emphasised hope: “We all have a role to play. It can begin with a conversation, with compassion, with listening without judgement, or simply having the courage to ask someone, are you OK? and being prepared to truly listen to their answer.”
Founded in 2012, Diamonds in the Sky continues its mission to provide education, awareness and intervention strategies through sport reaching communities across the region with a message that every life matters.
Award winners:
Men’s
Best and fairest: Stephen Cousins (Yarrabah)
AdvertisementSportsperson: Warren Thompson (Tablelands)
Encouragement award: Leim Cole (Tablelands)
Ladies
Best and fairest: Jessie Murgha (Yarrabah Starlets)
Sportsperson: Ashton Viranatuleo (Cooktown Salties)
Encouragement: Ashley Head
Under-18 boys
Best and fairest: Arthur Gordon (Yarrabah Warriors)
Sportsperson: Brandon Grieve
Encouragement: Kai Bale
Under-12
Best and fairest: Leomaris Laza
Sportsperson: Ari Kyle
Encouragement: Azeil Laza