Members of the East Gippsland Biggest blokes lunch committee handed over a cheque to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia representative Linley Watson last week at the Peter Dullard showroom in Bairnsdale.
Peter Dullard has been secretary of the fundraising committee since its inception.
This year the committee, with the help of the East Gippsland business community, passed on a cheque for $70,000 to the PCFA.
$30,000 of the funds raised are returned by the PCFA to partly fund the operations of the local prostate cancer nurse at the Bairnsdale hospital, the balance going to research.
According to Anne Savage, chief executive officer of the PCFA, East Gippslanders punch well above their weight when it comes to giving.
Chairman of the local committee Bob Yeates said this year’s effort by the committee collecting prizes and promises from local businesses was outstanding and put in train the opportunity for the great fundraising day in late February.
“The day is about raising the awareness of men’s health and sending a message to blokes to start having annual health checks as blokes don’t seem to go to doctors, but go to early graves,” he said.
The event was again held in Cremin Hall with more than 300 blokes attending the pre-lunch eats and drinks in the grounds of the Catholic Church.
Entertainment featured well-known Australian comedians Anthony Lehmann (Lehmo), professional Australian TV and radio presenter and Queensland-based comedian and ventriloquist, Darren Carr, and popular retired AFL footballer Brett Harvey who was interviewed up front by Channel 7 newsman Nick McCallum.
Planning for the 2026 event has already started with the booking of Tony Shaw and the committee trying to confirm the attendance of Australian cricket legend and funny man Kerry O’Keefe.
The 2026 event is to be held on Friday, February 27.
