Laughter, football legends and a strong focus on men’s health drew a crowd of more than 320 men to the annual East Gippsland Biggest Blokes Lunch at Bairnsdale last Friday.
Attendees were treated to a hearty barbecue, comedic relief from Marty Fields, and an engaging on-stage interview with AFL greats Peter Daicos and Trent Cotchin, conducted by national newsman Nick McCallum.
The event, which highlights men’s health and prostate cancer awareness, relies heavily on the support of local volunteers and the generosity of local businesses, according to committee chair Bob Yeates.
“The day would not be possible without our wonderful community volunteers and the contributions from local businesses donating prizes,” Mr Yeates said.
The Bairnsdale lunch is part of a Victorian country network of men’s health events initiated in 2009 by Shepparton newspaperman Chris McPherson. Chris, who later passed away from prostate cancer, encouraged other regional newspapermen to adopt the model to raise awareness in their communities.
Since its inception, the initiative has expanded to include annual events in Sale, Morwell, Warragul, Bendigo, Echuca, Pakenham and, for the first time this year, Hobart. Shepparton’s lunch typically attracts 1000 men and raises more than a quarter of a million dollars each year for local health services and prostate cancer research, while Morwell and Warragul host 700–800 attendees.
The East Gippsland event continues that legacy, providing men with a chance to enjoy camaraderie, celebrate local legends and support a vital cause.
