21/08/2026
π― FOR DANNY B β AN ORIGINAL LOCAL LEGEND β€οΈ
Last night, around 50 men of the Varsity Lakes Local Legends Darts League came together for a night none of us ever wanted to have.
We came together to say farewell to our mate, our friend and one of our original Legends β Danny B, who we tragically lost just a few weeks ago.
It was a chance to honour Danny and his memory. A chance to talk about the sadness and shock of losing him. But importantly, it was also a chance to have a beer, throw some darts, share a few laughs and tell stories about Danny β remembering the contribution he made to our League and the many lives of the lads he touched along the way..............And there were plenty.
But Dannyβs passing also leaves us with an incredibly important message.
WE NEED TO LOOK AFTER OUR MATES
The strongest bloke in the room can still be struggling underneath.
The bloke laughing the loudest can still be hurting when he goes home. And the mate we all think is going great simply may not be and is crying in silence because he thinks he's alone.
I speak from personal experience - and thatβs why we need to talk!
Talk to your mates.
Talk to your family.
Tell someone when things arenβt right.
Tell someone when the weight is getting too heavy.
And trust the people around you enough to say: βMate, I need some help.β - There is no weakness in those words.
REMEMBER a weight shared by two is a problem halved. A weight shared amongst many becomes something we can help carry together.
I promise you - your friends and family will be there if you ask.
And please believe this: We would much rather listen to your problems, share your burden and help you through your darkest days than ever have to stand together and say goodbye to you. Because we need you here.
The numbers tell us just how important this conversation is.
In 2024, 3,326 Australians died by su***de. That is approximately nine people every single day β around one Australian every three hours..............And more than three-quarters β 76.5% β were men.
Those aren't just statistics. They are sons. Fathers. Brothers. Husbands. Partners. Workmates- your mates, and last night, one of those mates was ours.
Iβll finish with the words Dannyβs Mum and Dad, Barry and Karen, sent for us to read to the boys last night:
"First of all I want to thank you guys for having this night in Dannys honour. It has been a very tough time since we got the news but these gestures mean so much to us. In a time of grieving these shows of respect are of great comfort to us.
Sincere thanks,
Barry and Karen"
To Barry and Karen - Danny was one of us - he was an Original Legend, and he always will be. π―
This night was for him - now rest easy Danny mate.