Mural puts the spotlight on mental health

NRL star Nicho Hynes has returned to his roots on the Central Coast, with a striking new mural unveiled at the Umina Bunnies Junior Rugby League Football Club celebrating his journey and shining a spotlight on mental health.

The Cronulla Sharks halfback and proud Umina Bunnies junior was front and centre at the recent unveiling of the artwork, which features Hynes alongside young players from his former club.

The vibrant mural, installed on the Melbourne Ave sports amenities building at the Peninsula Recreation and Active Lifestyle Precinct, carries a message far beyond the football field.

It includes a QR code linking directly to mental health support services and resources, making it easier for locals to reach out when they need help.

For Hynes, who has long used his platform to advocate for mental health awareness, the project is about inspiring the next generation to chase their dreams while reminding them it’s okay to ask for help.

“Hard work gets you anywhere in life – if you’re willing to work as hard as you can,” Hynes said.

“Whether it’s being an athlete, a school teacher, a lawyer, or whatever you want to be – if you work hard and make those sacrifices, it’s worth it in the end.”

Hynes encouraged young people to hold onto their dreams, no matter the challenges.

“I’ve always said, don’t let your five-year-old or 10-year-old self down,” he said.

“There’s always that kid that had a dream – just don’t let them down and keep striving for it.

“You only get one life, so you might as well chase until you can’t chase anymore – and it’s really, really worth it in the end.”

The mural forms part of a wider initiative delivered in partnership with Central Coast Council, the Umina Bunnies, and local mental health services.

Council said the initiative reflects its commitment to supporting community wellbeing through creative and inclusive approaches, and the mural is more than just a piece of art – it’s a message of hope, strength, and connection.

A spokesperson said that by featuring a local sporting hero like Nicho Hynes, Council was showing young people and the wider community that it’s okay to speak up, to seek help, and to support one another. 

“Central Coast Council is proud to be part of a project that uses the power of sport and creativity to break down barriers around mental health,” the spokesperson said.

The mural is part of a broader Council initiative that included a youth-focused mental fitness workshop delivered by the Find Ya Feet program in partnership with Hynes.

The session encouraged local youth to build resilience and understand the importance of mental fitness alongside physical health.

The launch of the mural ties into upcoming events including R U OK? Day on September 11 and Mental Health Awareness Month in October.

But for the Umina Bunnies, the mural is deeply personal — a tribute to one of their own who continues to inspire both on and off the field.

The club, which has produced generations of players, now proudly displays the towering image of Hynes as a reminder that big dreams can start on local fields.

For Hynes, the homecoming was a chance to give back to the community that shaped him.

“I hope kids look at this and know they can achieve whatever they set their mind to,” he said.

“It’s not always easy, and there will be sacrifices, but if you keep working hard, keep believing in yourself, and keep talking about the things that matter, you’ll get there.”

The mural now stands as a landmark at Umina – celebrating Hynes, supporting mental health awareness, and reinforcing the power of sport to bring communities together.

Skaie Hull