Blokes’ Lunch fundraiser back in town

BALLARAT’S Biggest Ever Blokes’ Lunch will go ahead as planned on Friday, 3 September, in what will be its tenth edition, with a couple of very special speakers set to take centre stage.

This year’s attendees can look forward to hearing from two genuine AFL superstars – former Kangaroos’ premiership player and mental health advocate, Wayne Schwass, as well as Australian Football Hall of Fame inductee, Kevin Bartlett.

The event, which didn’t go ahead last year, raises funds for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and other grass root organisations, particularly those focused on men’s health.

Organising committee chair David Gordon said while a large portion of donations on the day will be passed on to PCFA Victoria and the Ballarat PCFA branch, other beneficiaries over the years have included the Ballarat Suicide Prevention Network, Ballarat Men’s Shed, the SoupBus meal service and the Ballarat Regional Integrated Cancer Centre.

“We are constantly on the lookout for local groups that we can assist with,” he said.

“As a committee we look at all options. If there are any men’s health groups or local charities out there that could do with assistance, please contact us via email.”

Mr Gordon said the lunch represents a unique opportunity, in a casual setting, for guests to talk freely about their health.

He points out that speaking up is something that many people struggle with, particularly when it comes to life-threatening diseases such as cancer, and hopes that the event can go some way towards changing this.

“We need to be reminded at the moment that COVID isn’t the only danger,” he said.

“You hear so many stories of men that have had cancer symptoms of some sort, but simply ignore the fact or don’t do anything about it.

“Cancer doesn’t discriminate. These symptoms can be ignored until it’s too late. It’s important to understand our bodies and realise when something isn’t right.

“If our event can help to get a positive message out there, that can make a difference, then we’ve had a successful day.”

According to the Prostate Foundation, prostate cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in Australian men, with about 17,000 new detections each year, resulting in more than 3000 deaths.

Contact the Ballarat’s Biggest Ever Blokes’ Lunch team via [email protected].