Australian cricket icon Justin Langer outlines importance of caring and promoting positive mental health

Australian cricket legend Justin Langer was the toast of the Sanctuary Golf Resort on Friday, as part of the “Chip in for charity” golf day. The concept, created by three South West businessmen — James Giacci, Andrew Roberts and Ricardo Salinas — was established in a bid to raise funds for Solaris Cancer Care, an organisation which provides support for cancer patients and their carers. With Solaris Cancer Care subjected to a funding cut earlier this year, the three men burst into action, with the Australian cricketing legend, both as a player and coach, more than happy to come down from Perth and support their efforts. Prior to the event getting under way, Justin Fris spoke with Langer about his passion for helping people in need, along with his thoughts on the state of WA regional cricket and new position as coach of the IPL-based Lucknow Super Giants. Q — Firstly, Justin, welcome. I’m aware Solaris Cancer Care is something quite important to you. “I’ve been a patron of Solaris since day one. “Dr David Joske, the founder of Solaris, is a wonderful human being. What he’s done in his professional life has been extraordinary. He set it up and asked if I would become a patron. “I knew it was a great organisation — but then my mum was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. It’s not until you see what happens firsthand, that you see the impact Solaris has. “If I was passionate before, I became even more passionate afterwards, as I saw the impact it had on my mum and so many other people who were going through their cancer journey.” Q — South West cricket is doing quite well at the moment in the State team. We’ve got obviously Jayden Goodwin, Lance Morris and you played with Murray Goodwin (Jayden’s father) a few years ago. Are you heartened to see so many regional cricketers doing well in WA and for the national team? “Yeah, of course. “I’ve been coming down to the South West (for many years) as I’m born and bred in WA. It’s great to see talent — and it doesn’t matter where it comes from — being rewarded. “To see guys like Jayden, Lance Morris and a number of other very good players see a pathway forward is great. “The better they go, it gives other kids who live down in the South West a realisation that there is an opportunity and I love seeing that.” Q — Now I’m very envious, as you’ll be heading over to Lucknow in India for the IPL — a city famous for Indian dishes such as kofta and biryani. Culturally, this will be very eye-opening? “Like yourself, I’ve heard all of those wonderful parts of a different culture, which will be in Lucknow. “I love India — the people, the food and the colours. It heightens all of your senses when you go there. I’m looking forward to the opportunity. “The IPL is obviously a huge tournament.” Q — Both mindfulness and mental health promotion are two things we are both passionate about. What are some things you enjoy now in this part of your career where you can help others in these two areas? “I spend a lot of my time now writing and speaking. “I talk a lot about things from high performance, mental and physical health, or whether its performing under pressure. All these facets have come from performance, life and experience, through amazing people, places and opportunities. “But mental health is a fascinating one. “Because like physical health, we are all on the spectrum from peak to poor physical health. It’s the same with mental health. Like physical health, it’s something we all need to be aware of.”