One Night. One Conversation. A Lifetime of Impact.
Join us for the 2026 Great Mate Check-In Night-Time Panel. This year, we aren’t just talking about mental health; we are celebrating our Commitment to Connection. Come for the raw stories, stay for the community, and help us build a future where no mate walks alone.
We’ve seen what happens when we show up for each other. From a small gathering of 28 people in 2023 to raising nearly $7,000 last year, this movement is growing because the need for real, in-person connection has never been greater.
This isn’t your typical charity dinner. It’s a night of honest conversation featuring local voices who have lived the highs and lows. We’re stripping away the stigma and replacing it with support, laughter, and a clear path forward for men’s mental health in the Moreton Bay region.
What to Expect on the Day
Prepare for an evening of insightful conversations, genuine connection, and great company. Our Flagship Event is designed to be supportive, relaxed, and high-impact.
Exciting Raffle & Prizes: Participate in our popular raffle with a chance to win fantastic items donated by our generous partners, all while funding our in-person connection initiatives.
Inspiring Panel Discussions: Engage with thought-provoking discussions led by community leaders on topics vital to emotional vulnerability, peer support, and connection.
Opportunities for Connection: Ample time to mingle, share stories, and build new friendships in the relaxed, night-time setting of Club Pines.
Delicious Food & Drinks: Enjoy a spectacular three-course meal alongside a great range of drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available) in a casual atmosphere.
Event Details
Mark your calendars! This will be our biggest and most impactful event yet.
- Date: 5th June, 2026 – the first Friday of June, evening
- Time: Doors open at 6 pm, the event will kick off at 6.30 pm and we expect to be finished formalities at 10.
- Location: Club Pine Rivers, Bray Park (Our new, larger venue!)
- Ticket options: $120 per person with meal and drink ticket included, or purchase a table of 10
Speakers
Ryan Elson – Founder, Tribe Social Belonging
Ryan has long been a pillar of the Moreton Bay community, but the creation of Tribe Social Belonging came from a deeply personal realization. After experiencing a massive outpouring of support from his own community during a challenging time, Ryan recognized that many men simply don’t have that same “safety net” to catch them when life gets heavy.
Driven by the belief that belonging should be a guarantee rather than an accident, Ryan founded Tribe to create consistent, inclusive spaces for men to connect. He is a master of grassroots community building, dedicated to dismantling social isolation and proving that a strong “tribe” is the most powerful tool we have for mental well-being.
Peter Turner – Executive Principal, Bray Park State High School
With over 30 years of experience in education, Peter leads a diverse community of nearly 2,000 students and staff in the Moreton Bay region. He is a deeply committed advocate for student wellbeing, currently spearheading the development of a brand-new dedicated wellbeing centre at his school.
Peter brings a unique blend of professional insight and raw personal perspective to the conversation around mental health. Following open-heart surgery just over a year ago, he gained a renewed understanding of how sudden life events impact our internal world. His leadership is grounded in compassion, resilience, and a firm belief that connection is the ultimate safety net for both young people and the adults who guide them.
Bodie Morris – Founder of Alchemy Wears & Youth Advocate
Bodie Morris is a Queensland athlete and a leading voice in youth mental health advocacy. For years, Bodie’s life was defined by his success as a representative soccer player, but behind the scenes, he was navigating a “brutal internal battle” with anxiety and depression. When a significant medical episode side-lined his professional sporting dreams, Bodie was forced to rediscover who he was without the game.
Through his mission-driven clothing brand, Alchemy Wears, and his honest presence on social media, Bodie now works to bridge the gap between suffering in silence and finding community. A fierce champion for early intervention, Bodie’s mission is simple: to ensure no young person feels invisible while navigating their own mental health journey.
#TeamTGMC – Meet our 2026 Sponsors
Kimberly Young and the Petrie Real Estate Team
We are so incredibly thankful to have Kimberly and her team return as a Gold Sponsor. Their continued support and presence in our community mean the world to us.
Nikki Paterson and the Accomplish Education Team
Nikki returns as a Bronze Sponsor. We are especially grateful to have her back on the team, as her professional dedication to the mental health field brings so much depth and understanding to our mission of connection.
Ben Fehervary and the Accomplish Education Team
Ben and his crew return as a Bronze Sponsor. We are incredibly grateful to have them back on the team, as their everyday commitment to fostering genuine mateship and support perfectly aligns with our mission of connection.
Want to make an even bigger impact for men’s mental health? We’re actively seeking passionate sponsors to join The Great Mate Check-In. Your support helps us do more for our community. To learn more about how you can partner with us, please reach out: team@thegreatmatecheckin.com.au
The Great Mate Check-In 