The indigenous Australian former professional rugby league footballer was born in Inverell and grew up in Tingha until joining the Gold Coast Titans of the National Rugby League. He also played for the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks winning the Dally M Medal before moving to the Penrith Panthers with whom he won the 2003 NRL Premiership.

Since his retirement, Mr Campbell has also been an ambassador for Lifeline and the BlackDog Institute and spends his time speaking about mental health.

In December 2002 he attempted suicide by driving into a tree following a visit with his wife and three children from whom he was temporarily separated.

Last Friday Mr Campbell explained that at the peak of his career he didn't cope and had spent the best part of a year locked in his room suffering anxiety and depression, unaware of the damage he was doing to his family and those closest to him. He said when he eventually came out of the room ready to talk, there was no-one left to talk to.

Following his suicide attempt, his Penrith coach John Lang took him to see a counsellor which led him to speak about what he was going through.

Mr Campbell's message on Friday was the importance of opening up and talking about your feelings, particularly with your partner. He said the worst thing you can do is cut yourself off and think endlessly about things. He is passionate about society's need to talk about and understand mental health issues.

Mr Campbell now lives with his wife and three children on the Gold Coast and paints, sings and plays the guitar to keep himself happy and positive.

At Festival Friday he demonstrated his guitar skills while some of the Walcha Central School students sang. He also joined in a game of footy with some delighted students (and teachers).

Earlier in the afternoon the students had completed a colour run and enjoyed food provided by the local service clubs as well as a bucking bull ride and inflatable ball rides.