Best ever blokes’ lunch

THERE was a dearth of businessmen in offices and board rooms, on shop and factory floors, in classrooms and health practices on Friday afternoon.

That’s because just over 500 of them were enjoying Ballarat’s Biggest Ever Blokes Lunch in support of Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

David Gordon, Ballarat’s Biggest Ever Blokes Lunch Committee Chair said it was a fantastic event.

“We had a record number of business, 26 in total, who purchased supporter packages worth $2500 with $1000 going directly to the Foundation,” he said. “We had strong backing from the business community donating items for the live and silent auctions.”

Former Australian Test Cricketer Damien Fleming kept the blokes entertained with stories of his cricketing days, while Mark Bunn, former AFL player delivered the keynote address on how to better look after yourself.

Mr Gordon point out that not all money raised goes to PCFA.

“We like to keep some of the money back to look after local organisations,” he said. “This year we are supporting BRICC, and headspace Ballarat with its Arms & Armour initiative aimed at men aged 18-25.

“While MND Victoria is the third group we are helping.”

The lunch is a vital part of annual fundraising activities for PCFA, John Strachan, State Manager VIC/TAS Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia said.

“In rural and regional Victoria, the lunches resonate with men in part because they are driven by local committee members who can generate that enthusiasm to get along,” he said.

“The ladies do it really well, with their lunches and morning teas, and I think this is why it has resonated so well with men.”

PCFA has been able to fund four community nurses throughout Victoria to support men diagnosed with prostate cancer and their families, as well as financing geographical research.