The Mount Gambier Community RSL recently hosted the city’s inaugural Good Blokes Society (GBS) corporate lunch.
The Good Blokes Society is a men’s support network for business, social and men’s health.
The event was hosted by The Good Blokes Society founder Shaun Wallis with guest speakers former AFL greats Robert “Dipper” DiPierdomenico and Wayne Carey and retired New Zealand jockey Jim Cassidy.
Men’s health advocate Mark “Wally” Eustice from Put Your Hand Up Australia silenced the crowd with his story struggling with addiction and mental illness.
Meanwhile, stand-up double act The Nelson Twins provided some comedic relief to lighten the mood.
Mr Wallis said the day was “a 10/10 success” judging by the feel and the energy of the attendees.
“All the guests and all the Mount Gambier businesses that bought tickets and bought tables were highly engaged and had a great day,” he said.
“I think that when Mark spoke about his journey and story with Put Your Hand Up Australia and it is a very emotional story, everyone was on the edge of their seats and enjoyed every minute of it.
“Regionally this is sort of our second territory that we’re covering.”
Mr Wallis said Gordon Refrigeration owner Luke Reichelt was instrumental in GBS travelling to the region.
“Luke has been a friend of a lot of the founders and a lot of the members of GBS for a long period of time through horse racing which is a common denominator and a part of our culture,” Mr Wallis said.
“Also, because we’re well aware when we had a good chat to Adam Smith there’s been a lot of suicides in the area, and we wanted obviously to open up conversation and education about what Mark is now doing which is putting your hand up if you need help and reaching out.
“We like to think we’re a vehicle for men to speak out, ask for help and not make that decision.”
Mr Wallis said he would like to think the event created a membership base within Mount Gambier.
“There’s been a lot of interest, a lot of conversations already very quickly,” he said.
“Mark Lane from the RSL he has obviously been a great connection, he’s put his hand up straight away.
“Three or four other guys have come and said they will be joining up so that’s a great start.
“All we need is one good bloke a day to join our community and we’ll grow, and we’ll build, and we’ll become powerful, and we’ll help a lot of men.”
