Former NRL star Joe Williams says he still plans to pursue a career in politics despite the controversy over his refusal to stand for the national anthem during an Australia Day ceremony.
The Indigenous sportsman says while he's received overwhelming support for his decision to remain seated, he's still facing criticism.
Joe Williams isn't one to back down from a fight.
The former South Sydney Rabbitoh says becoming a boxer has helped him battle depression.
He then passes those lessons on as a mental health advocate and motivational speaker based in Wagga Wagga, in New South Wales.
"Do I still have suicidal thoughts? Yeah, I do. Do I still battle the long days? Yeah, I do. If you give up, you end up being knocked out, or beaten. Just like in the ring."
He was named Australia Day Citizen of the Year by the local council.
A proud Wiradjuri man, Mr Williams used the ceremony to describe the heartache Indigenous people feel about Australia Day.
But his decision to remain seated during the national anthem has sparked criticism - some of it close to home.
"I had a comment from a lady whose son I talked away from suicide two years ago, say I was disrespectful. I didn't try to divide the community, I merely raised awareness of how Aboriginal people feel. Do you think we're not supposed to feel like this?"
One local councillor is still demanding Mr Williams return the award.
Paul Funnell says while he understands Joe Williams' reason for remaining seated, it was a divisive act.
"If we're going to move towards reconciliation and stop racism, if one side of the debate is not going to respect the other side for a simple thing as standing for the national anthem, we're off to a bad start already."
Both men say they've received plenty of support for their arguments but they've also had their fair share of critics.
Many of the people SBS spoke to on the streets of Wagga Wagga didn't approve of Mr Williams' decision to remain seated, though none would say so on the record.
Others argue he was simply exercising his democratic right.
"I think he's standing for his own rights, or sitting down in this case. We all have different opinions, but we're all entitled to them."
"Maybe that could've been protested another way, I don't know, but at least it's got people interested and asking questions which is a good thing."
"Initial reaction is, yeah, it was disrespectful. But after seeing what he had to say about it, I can sort of understand why he chose to do that."
Mr Williams says the debate hasn't deterred him from his plan to run in Wagga Wagga's upcoming council elections.
Local Wiradjuri elder Stan Grant says Mr Williams' mixture of respect and resolve would make him a successful councillor.
"My advice to Joe, if I was gonna give him any advice, is don't try to please everybody mate. The anthem is not inclusive, so how can we respect something that doesn't include us? If Joe decides not to stand for the national anthem, that draws attention to the fact that we have a problem."
And, all differences aside, Councillor Funnell also wants Williams to run.
"I think he would go extremely well. I encourage him to continue his work and continue speaking up, because if he doesn't, problems would just continue."
