Grilling for a good cause is a quintessential part of Aussie culture, but for the blokes brave enough to face 36º temperatures by the BBQ over the weekend, the reward has been priceless.
Cowra’s Nathan Elsey and Tony Horton established the monthly ‘Mr Perfect’ event, providing a judgement-free space for men to catch-up and chat, over a sausage sizzle, soft drinks and salad.
“I realised here in the Central West, there’s not much here for mental health,” he said. “I’ve suffered with mental health and here, we can talk about some of the things that people might not want to talk about, if you go to the doctor. We’re not just sitting in a room feeling uncomfortable and exposed.”
Mr Elsey said the event would be guided by attendees, not needing people to open up, but just have a chat and share a meal together.
“You can just come here, have a barbeque, if you don’t want to speak, there’s no pressure.”
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Scott Bartley and Phil O’Grady both said the opportunity was good timing, set on a relaxed Sunday afternoon.
“It’s a great idea to enjoy a barbie and a bit of chatter,” Mr Bartley said. “I thought, I’m not doing anything today, may as well go and have a look,” Mr O’Grady added.
Paul Panapa from the Connection Centre attended to meet new people in Cowra, and welcomed the chance to catch up and chat in an informal atmosphere.
“We can help each other by talking about our issues, and whatever else we want to talk about. It’s all about helping each other,” he said.
For Rob Waterson, who recently moved to Cowra, the lunch was the perfect way to meet new folks, set to become good mates.
“I’m not long new to Cowra, so it’s great to come out and meet some guys around the area. It’s also always a good thing to think to talk about men’s health, generally,” he said.
All the men emphasised that just three simple words could help change, or save, a life during a tough day, asking “how are you?” or “are you okay?” to even strangers taking a break outside the shops, providing a moment of connection within each day.
“We don’t talk to people any more, it’s not the old days where you used to say hi to everybody and everyone. You could be there, on the brink of collapse and need someone to talk to,” Mr Roberts said. “You don’t know [how someone is going.]”
Mr Horton said an important part of establishing another opportunity for men to connect, was to provide as many chances as possible to build connections, and meet people where they’re at.
“Some people form friendships through work, they might form friendships through sports, as a volunteer at the local footy club, the local cricket club. It might be RFS, SES, some peopele go to Men’s Sheds. It’s about having a range of options for people to find what works for them, and this week, it might be one thing, and next week, it might be different,” he said.
“We gotta check on people and this is just another option.”
The next free men’s BBQ will be held on the 29th of December.
