Providing professional support to the Ski for Life family
To use conversations and community engagement to raise awareness and develop initiatives that support good mental health, positive wellbeing and suicide prevention
Meet the
Committee.
Mark Facey
Chairperson
Over the years I have held a number of positions within the committee and as a family we have participated in the water ski event during the March long weekend from Murray Bridge to Renmark. In 2022, we saw Ski for Life enter its 10th year and together with the hard working committee, we continue to drive the legacy of Mr Bill Stockman and the founding families of Ski for Life organisation.
In 2017 I attended a fundraising event organised by the Watt's Up ski team in Mount Gambier and it was from that moment that I realised I wanted to be more than just a participant in the organisation. So in 2018 our family put together a ski team and we join the water ski relay from Murray Bridge to Renmark, from there we have continued our involvement in Ski for Life. As a result of the event, through the hard work of our ski team's fundraising and community support, we are now in a position where we are distributing funds through projects of work which Ski for Life is proud to take to rural and remote communities addressing this horrendous issue we have around mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention. It is this that continues to drive me and our committee as we combine our love of water skiing and delivering support to these areas .
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This year I have taken over the Chairman's role from Jane Kellock and have the privilege of leading our committee into its 10th year of Ski for Life.
Bo Dearlove
Deputy Chair
December 2017, my son, mentioned that he and a few mates were going to do a 450km relay ski over 3 days from Murray Bridge to Renmark. At the time, I thought that it may be fun so I asked if they needed a ‘Roady’ to drive the back-up vehicle.
March, 2018, I arrived at Murray Bridge, with the Ski 4 T team, still a little unsure of what to expect, while setting up our camp a bloke wandered over with a beer – “Gidday, I’m Bill Stockman, I started this show”. I realised early that everyone was there for a reason, supporting a mate or having felt the presence of the ‘blackdog’. It was good to talk openly about mental health and suicide, its prevention, its domino effect on all and the need to be there and have the conversation – Are you Ok?
I was nominated for the position of Vice Chairperson at the AGM in 2018, a position I still hold, now supporting our Chairperson, Mark Facy. I am also a member of the grants committee. Being a member of the Ski for Life family gives me the opportunity to help remove the stigma attached to mental health, wellbeing, and suicide prevention by participating, fundraising, having conversations and supporting rural and remote communities.
Nicolle Carey
Treasurer
Mental health challenges have touched our family and friends in profound ways, shaping our perspectives and underscoring the importance of community and support. My husband initially joined another Ski for Life team in support of a mate of ours, until forming our team, Just ‘Cause in 2022. Prior to that we had always watched from the beach at Morgan as the Ski for Life crew went by, but we both wanted to be a part of the event. My family has cherished the Ski for Life event, enjoying its unique blend of camaraderie, inspiration, and fun. From hearing powerful guest speakers and engaging in heartfelt conversations with like-minded individuals to simply having a fantastic time bonding with our team and the teams around us, this event has become a cornerstone of our March long weekend tradition. We are a farming family from the Mid-North, which has been in drought and this event has given us more than we could ever give back.
As much as we’ve loved participating, I began to feel that I had more to contribute. Our team, Just ‘Cause, has all aspects of the team logistics covered which opened the door for me to explore how I could give back in a more meaningful way. After discussing the idea with my hubby, I decided to take the leap and join the committee. Joining the committee is a decision that holds deep significance for me, not only because of the positive impact this event has had on our lives but also because of the connection it has to a topic very close to my heart—mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention. This is my chance to support an incredible team that has provided us with unforgettable experiences year after year. I only hope I can offer as much as the people who have worked tirelessly on the committee in the past.
Ski for Life is more than just an event; it’s a movement that fosters connections, raises awareness, and creates lasting memories. It’s a celebration of resilience, togetherness, and hope—values that resonate deeply with me and my family.
As we look ahead, I know that my team of family and friends will remain an integral part of Ski for Life for many years to come. I am honored to be joining the committee and eagerly anticipate working with all of you to ensure that this remarkable event continues to thrive and touch lives in the meaningful ways it already has.
Anita Boston
Executive Officer
I had seen Ski for Life on social media but with my feet firmly planted on the land, I didn't know how I could be involved until I was given the opportunity to become part of the Ski for Life committee at the end of 2022.
I've worked in health for 23 years and have experienced first hand the impact that mental health and suicide has on all walks of life. I have recently transitioned into project management and part of my role with Ski for Life is to run around in the background, supporting the Committee to create the amazing Ski for Life event every year.
Helen Lawton-French
Media & Partnerships
I first learned about Ski For Life in March 2018 whilst in Renmark visiting my parents & swimming at Jane Eliza with my daughter. I was intrigued by the roar of excitement and cheering coming from downstream at the Renmark Club as the skiers arrived for their grand finale. At the time I didn’t realise what it was. Being a skier, having grown up in Renmark and recognising the importance of the mental health wellbeing message, it was obvious to me that I had to be involved. In Feb 2019 I emailed Ski For Life to enquire how I could actively offer my services and participate in the next event. I turned up on the first day not knowing anyone and enjoyed the privilege of participating in many of the event activities including skiing with the Ski 4T teams, flying with Ski Spy Bob and providing support to the committee throughout the event. I was embraced by the Ski For Life family and just like that – I knew I was “hooked” ! What a terrific cause and for me, a fantastic way to spend the March long weekend by sharing community spirit with likeminded people who are river passionate and committed to raising awareness and promoting mental health wellbeing and suicide prevention.
Aside from the skiing, there are so many great fun activities that go along with this event; it is such incredible fun. Community embracement along the way, the camaraderie and sharing of stories, the remembrance ceremony, camp dinners & auction night plus the humorous possibility of wearing a tutu at some point (okay I have had to wear that twice!!)…. and the water fights through 5 locks ensure for a fun, family weekend! It is an addictive, heartfelt and spectacular event!
My role is to promote the event through media & partnerships. We have had tremendous support from the media and local communities, including South Aussie with Cosi, Triple M, Murray Pioneer, Riverland 5RM & Magic and Murray Bridge 5MU & Power FM, as well many of our event partners.
Matt Barrett
Merchandise
Five years ago I ventured on my first Ski for Life trip with our Ski 4 T team. Over the years, the lack of awareness around mental health and suicide have touched too close to home, so what better time to get the guys together and support this great cause. I soon worked out this was going to be an annual event for us.
After some gentle encouragement, I decided to contribute to the cause in a more hands on way as Treasurer for the committee.
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I have had a soft spot for the river my whole life, at the age of 14 months, Dad took me on the kneeboard and there's been no turning back. The family and I grab every opportunity to head up to the river and get behind a boat. I want my kids to have the same great experiences and memories growing up around the river as I did, as well as educate them on this great cause from a young age.
Ben Watson
Merchandise
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Im a high school metalwork teacher. I have been going to the river Murray as long as I can remember.
Why Ski for Life: I have always loved waterskiing and ski for life is such a great event that provides support for many Australians. After loving every minute of the event for my first few years I knew I could do more to help keep this great event running!
Brad Miller
Logistics
I first heard about the Ski For Life event while watching a TV show on the ABC, Bill Stockman was talking about mental health, he explained that along with help from his family and friends he had a charity that water-skied 456km along the Murray River, raising money and awareness for Mental Health and suicide prevention.
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As a family we love spending time on the water water-skiing, We love the Murray River and mental health struggles have touched our family, so we decided we would give it a go.
Initially we were along for the adventure, how great to spend time with family & friends, water-skiing and camping along the Mighty Murray River, all while raising money and awareness. The water-skiing and camping adventure was everything we hoped for but it was evident that the event was so more more right from the first morning all the teams met at Sturt Reserve to get the event under way!! We had a great time on our first event, after our first Ski For life event we all agreed this will continue to be something we do with family and friends for many years to come
Nadina Thomas
My family has a love of the river and spends endless hours during the summer behind the boat. We are also passionate about creating awareness around mental health, wellbeing, and suicide prevention. I couldn’t think of a better way to combine our two passions than getting involved with Ski for Life!
I was introduced to Ski for Life by Tim Watt about 6 years ago over a coffee at our farm in Malinong . His passion and enthusiasm for this amazing cause was infectious and inspired me to want to be involved. After watching the Ski for Life journey from afar for a few years, “Team Thomas” was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to join the Ski for Life family in 2024. Nothing could have prepared me for the journey that we were about to embark on.
Skiing 450km with 400 like-minded people… what an amazing 3 days it was! We laughed, we cried, we were challenged but we wouldn’t have changed a thing! We met some incredible people with incredible stories… we made friends for life, but most of all we became part of an incredible family.
The journey left me wanting more, to be more involved and to be a part of this special charity that was making such an impact in communities. Having been involved in school & rural communities and sporting clubs I have seen firsthand the impact these issues are having on those around us. I am super excited to join the Ski for Life committee and play a bigger role in helping tackle the challenges around Mental health and wellbeing and suicide prevention along with creating awareness in our communities.
Ben Pettingill
Ski for Life Ambassador
When I was 16, I lost 98% of my eyesight overnight due to a rare genetic syndrome that as you can imagine turned my world upside down and through a whole lot of challenges my way. One of the things I loved before losing my sight was water skiing and thanks to my old man being pretty determined to not let this stop me we found a way to get back out there behind the boat. Among all the things I could no longer do due to being blind water skiing was the one thing I still enjoyed. The impact it had on me not just physically but also on my mental health was massive. Fast forward a few years and I took my skiing to a whole new level above when I could see competing in the Southern 80, a ski race on the Murray and was the first blind person to do so.
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The Ski for Life committee at the time came across this story and asked if I would consider being the ambassador. When they explained it was skiing 456km’s I thought it was a pretty ballsy thing to ask a blind guy to do but when I found out more about eh cause there was no way I could say no.
Skiing has had huge benefits on my mental health when I first lost my eyesight and it continues to do so even now.
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As the ambassador it is my role to promote Ski for Life at every opportunity, continually kick off conversations about the cause and live our mission by promoting the importance of mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention. I am extremely proud to be the ambassador for this incredible organisation as I come into my 6th year in the role which is looking to be another huge one!
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Kate Kroepsch
Social Media & Website
My husband Scott has been an active participant in Ski 4 Life since 2021 and I've had the pleasure of assisting their Ski team with social media content for the past two years. This cause is very close to our hearts and we eagerly bring our two children to join in the event each year.
Ski for Life has provided us with unforgettable experiences and the opportunity to connect with inspiring individuals who share our enthusiasm all while promoting mental health wellbeing and suicide prevention.
I am excited to be part of the committee managing Ski for Life's social media & website whilst raising awareness and reaching a broader audience. Together, we can make a significant impact and create lasting memories for everyone involved.
Darren Davey
Committee Member/Grants Subcommittee
"I was introduced to water skiing at a young age and have always found the River Murray to be my happy place. I try to get to the river with my family as much as I can and I often wondered what all these boats were doing skiing past on the March long weekend with their Ski for Life flags flying proudly amongst them. Then a couple of my old mates from Port Lincoln asked me to join their team “The Salties”. That was the 2024 event and there was no looking back. The event itself is full of amazing people having fun, looking after each other and raising money to support programs promoting mental health awareness and suicide prevention particularly in rural and remote communities. Although I now live in Adelaide, I grew up on a farm on Yorke Peninsula and have spent many years working as a health professional at Port Lincoln and Clare. I now spend half of my working week at Balaklava and the rest in the big smoke. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed skiing from Murray Bridge to Renmark and raising some funds for Ski for Life. Now it’s time for me to start working with the incredible people on the committee and help to contribute to the business end of this wonderful organisation."