James Petrie Fund
The James Petrie fund has been created to support projects which respond to mental health issues in the Ballarat region and support youth engagement.
Honouring James Petrie: A Legacy of Compassion and Strength
James Petrie was a deeply respected, kind and compassionate man who had an incredible ability to light up any room. Growing up in Ballarat, he was known for his adventurous spirit and playful nature. As his family grew, he became the fun-loving uncle to seven adoring nieces and nephews.
James attended St Columba’s Primary School and St Patrick’s College before completing a degree in Health and Physical Education at Ballarat University. His passion for mentoring young people led him to work in the boarding communities at St Patrick’s College and Ballarat Grammar before joining the teaching staff at Ballarat High School in 2012. He was a dedicated and inspiring teacher, encouraging students to reach their full potential, particularly through VET Sport and Recreation, VCAL and Outdoor Education. He also initiated Ballarat High School’s first Kokoda trek experience in 2019, sharing his love for adventure with the students.
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Beyond teaching, James was a natural leader on and off the field. He was a valued player, coach, and mentor with the Ballarat North Soccer Club for 12 years and the Waubra Football Club for 10 years. His love for travel and the outdoors took him across Australia and the world, always seeking new challenges.
In 2021, James faced a difficult battle with depression. Despite his resilience, support from family and friends and his proactive approach to mental health, he tragically lost his fight in February 2022. His experience highlights the complexities of high-functioning depression, which can often go unnoticed.
James was a passionate advocate for mental health, supporting initiatives such as R U OK, Walking Off the War Within, The Resilience Project, Kokoda Trek and Beyond Blue. His family and friends are committed to continuing his legacy by supporting mental health programs and youth engagement initiatives in the Ballarat community.
The Ballarat Foundation would like to sincerely thank Tony Douglass, director of Jellis Craig Ballarat, for donating the full commission from the sale of a home to establish this fund. This generous contribution will enable the Ballarat Foundation to support mental health initiatives for years to come, ensuring James’s legacy lives on.
Saturday 8th November 2025
peaches run
Peach’s Run is a community fitness challenge at Lake Wendouree that raises funds for the James Petrie Fund to support local mental health programs. Participants can walk or run a solo 6 km lap, or form teams to collectively complete 33 laps in tribute to James’s beloved number 33, with the event start/finish at St Patrick’s Point.
