The local community has wrapped its arms around the family and friends of Dallas Keogh-Frankling and the Castlemaine Football Netball Club in the wake of the sudden death of the local Under 18 footballer.
The 17-year-old collapsed after playing in a match at Kyneton last Saturday and was rushed to hospital but could not be revived.
An outpouring of condolences and support has flowed to Dallas’s family, the club and the wider community, including messages from Kyneton Football Netball Club, Bendigo Football Netball League, other clubs and Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews.
Dallas has been remembered as a loving son, brother, grandson, nephew and cousin, a talented footballer and cricketer, and a loyal friend with an infectious smile.
CFNC members and the wider community gathered at the clubrooms at Camp Reserve on Saturday night and Sunday to comfort and support each other in the face of the unimaginable tragedy.
A further gathering was held on Thursday evening where representatives from Sport Chaplaincy Australia ran an initial debrief before those in attendance enjoyed a comforting meal.
A spokesperson for the club said they were deeply moved by the outpouring of support.
“Our club would like to give our sincere thanks to everyone who has provided their condolences, written tributes, and sent messages over the past few days since we lost Dal. It has been encouraging to know that our wider sporting community is walking next to us every step of the way. Not to mention our local community, including businesses and individuals,” the spokesperson said.
“Our committee has been working hard to support our people. We are learning that the true impact of this tragedy is far reaching and that individual experiences of grief and trauma are diverse. Our mantra is ‘leave no one behind’ as we begin to formulate a way to support our community moving forward.”
Dallas’s grandparents Margaret and Keiran Keogh also expressed their heartbreak at the loss of their beloved grandson on Wednesday.
“Just 17 years. Our very precious, loved and adored grandson. Life will never be the same without you. What beautiful memories you have left us with for all your family and friends. Keep kicking goals with all those competitive angels. I’m sure they will wrap their wings around you and keep you safe forever. Never ending love from Nan and Poppy Keogh,” they said.
Mayor Rosie Annear also expressed her sadness at the death of the young footballer in a statement released on Monday.
‘I was deeply saddened to hear about the death of Dallas Keogh- Frankling on Saturday.
Dallas was a local 17-year-old, who attended Castlemaine Secondary College, played Under 18s football for Castlemaine Football Netball Club, and cricket for Harcourt Cricket Club.
I am sure that there is so much more to know about Dallas than just these things, just as I know that his sudden death, after a football match against Kyneton on Saturday, is affecting many people in our community.
On behalf of myself, my fellow councillors, and all of us at Mount Alexander Shire Council, I convey our great sorrow at the loss of Dallas, and send our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, teammates, and all who are grieving him.
We are only a relatively small community, here in Castlemaine and the shire, but we are incredibly connected, and incredibly good at coming together to support and care for each other when we need to.
So, even though my heart is hurting for Dallas, and all those grieving his loss, I have already witnessed such kindness, connection, and strength occurring in the wake of this tragedy – and know that there is plenty more to come.
Please, continue to be kind to each other and look after each other. And please reach out for help, if you need it – you do not need to carry grief alone.
Talking to someone, whether a friend or family member, or a professional can really help (see some helpful resources below).’ – Rosie.
Griefline
Griefline provides a national toll-free helpline from 8.00 am to 8.00pm, Monday to Friday (AEST).
Call: 1300 845 745
They also have a free Book a Call service allowing help-seekers the option to schedule a grief support call from a specially trained Griefline telephone support person.
Grief Australia
Grief Australia provides bereavement counselling and support services.
Call: 9265 2100 or 1800 642 066
Lifeline
Lifeline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Call: 13 11 14.
Kids Helpline
Kids Helpline is a free, confidential counselling service available any time of the day or night by phone or webchat, for those aged between 12 and 25. Call: 1800 55 1800.
Headspace
Headspace is an online and telephone support service that helps young people who don’t feel ready to attend a headspace centre or who prefer to talk about their problems via online chat, email or on the phone.
Call: 1800 650 890.