Since its inception, The Great Mate Check-In has rapidly evolved from a passionate idea into a tangible force for positive change in men’s mental well-being and community connection. Our achievements are a testament to the power of shared purpose and the dedication of our growing community:
- A Ground-breaking Inaugural Event (2023): What began as a single event for International Men’s Day in November 2023 exceeded all expectations. This gathering successfully brought together hundreds of individuals, fostering raw and powerful conversations that highlighted the immense need for accessible support. Crucially, this event also served as a significant fundraising initiative, providing vital funds to MISA (Men’s Information and Support Association), directly contributing to their life-saving work.
- Evolution into a Year-Round Movement: The overwhelming success and clear community demand from the 2023 event underscored that men’s mental health required more than just one day a year. In response, The Great Mate Check-In officially transitioned into a continuous, year-round initiative in 2024, committing to ongoing support and connection.
- Building a Connected Community: We’re proud to be cultivating a supportive network of “Great Mates” across Australia. Through consistent encouragement of our “First Friday Check-In” initiative and our growing online presence, we’re actively combating loneliness and fostering genuine, supportive relationships.
- Valued Partnerships: Our journey has been strengthened by the support of incredible partners. From the early backing of City of Moreton Bay to our exciting collaboration with Shaun Reeves and the team at Hip Hops Brewers, these partnerships are crucial in amplifying our message and expanding our reach.
- Driving Crucial Conversations: Above all, our most significant achievement lies in normalizing and encouraging open dialogue around men’s mental health. By creating safe spaces and providing consistent reminders, we empower men to seek help, offer support, and stay connected.
2023 – The Spark That Ignited Everything
2023 Panel Guests; Cran Middlecoat, Steve Williams, Jasn Cushway, Paul Barton, and of course our partner, Shaun Reeves of Hip Hops Brewers, along with our found, Stacey MacMillan-White.
The Great Mate Check-In’s journey truly began with our inaugural event for International Men’s Day in November 2023. While the idea stemmed from a simple, yet profound realization that “someone” needed to act, what followed was nothing short of remarkable. With no major sponsors for this first-ever gathering, we were incredibly touched by the generosity of local businesses who donated fantastic raffle prizes, including our amazing mates at Trade Mutt, Spark Pop!, and Bunnings Brendale, to name a few.
The day featured an incredibly insightful panel, bringing together powerful voices dedicated to men’s well-being: Steve Williams from Mind Flow Grow, the inspirational Cran Middlecoat, and the passionate community members Jason Cushway and Paul Barton, owners of Yard Empire. Though we only sold 28 tickets, the impact was immense. Together, we not only fostered raw and vital conversations but also proudly raised a remarkable $2,011 for MISA (Men’s Information and Support Association), proving that even a small gathering can create significant change. This event wasn’t just a success; it was the powerful catalyst for everything The Great Mate Check-In has become.
2024: Doubling Down on Impact & Launching The Great Mate Check-In
Fuelled by the resounding success of our inaugural International Men’s Day event in 2023, and a clear vision that more could be done, 2024 marked the official launch of The Great Mate Check-In as a year-round movement. Our second major gathering continued this vital work, demonstrating significant growth and an even wider reach.
This time, we were incredibly grateful to welcome our first official sponsors: Any Given Tuesday, Aspley Mazda, and Solar Bollard Lighting. Their support was instrumental in elevating the event. We also saw a tremendous increase in community generosity with a heap more fantastic raffle prizes donated by local councillor Jim Moloney, Jericho Australia, and a stunning pocket square detail from Pagoni.
The event featured another insightful panel, bringing together powerful voices and diverse perspectives: Martin Brooker CSP, Daniel McCulloch (founder of Pharus Wellbeing), and Dean Cooper of White Ribbon Australia. We were thrilled to see 46 tickets sold, almost doubling our attendance from the previous year. More importantly, our collective efforts raised a remarkable $4,001 for MISA (Men’s Information and Support Association), a testament to nearly doubling our impact and reinforcing the growing strength of our community.
Tickets are now LIVE for The Great Mate Check-In 2025!
The Great Mate Check-In 