Players help shine a light on Trachoma prevention in the NT

THE Melbourne Football Club, through the Jim Stynes Foundation, has joined forces with the University of Melbourne to help eliminate trachoma in the Northern Territory — Australia is the only developed country in the world where this preventable eye disease still exists.

Earlier this year, players visited the remote community of Nyirripi to film a series of community service announcements. These engaging videos share vital eye health messages as part of the Clean Faces, Strong Eyes campaign.

Featuring Jack Viney, Kate Hore, Jake Lever and Ricky Mentha Jr, the videos are designed for children and deliver simple yet powerful messages to help stop the spread of trachoma. Filming sparked excitement in the Nyirripi community, with local kids eagerly gathering to watch the players — and Milpa the Goanna — bring the messages to life.

The videos will be broadcast on Imparja Television and ICTV, helping reach families across Central Australia, the Northern Territory and beyond.

This initiative builds on a decade-plus long partnership between Melbourne Football Club and the Minum Barreng: Indigenous Eye Health Unit. Together, we are working to stop trachoma and promote long-term eye health.

Driven by the Jim Stynes Foundation, this work honours Jim’s legacy — empowering young people and using the power of the AFL to create lasting community impact.