This Talktober – we’re passing the mic!
#Talktober is one of The Male Hug’s most important campaigns of the year. It challenges and encourages people from all walks of life across the nation to get talking and help continue to support the vital work The Male Hug is doing. Our 1800 MY BUDDY hotline and education programs provide much-needed support for many men in our community.
This year we are asking everyone to connect with friends and pass the mic on social media. Let’s get this going viral and make men’s mental health and the power of talking on everyone’s hearts and minds.
SIGN UP FOR TALKTOBER DONATE
KICK A GOAL FOR MENTAL HEALTH at the MCG
Australia’s premiere Corporate Event at the MCG is back!
Kick a Goal for Mental Health 2026 returns to the iconic MCG on Friday, 19 June, bringing AFL and NRL together for one of Australia’s most impactful EOFY events. Hosted by The Male Hug, this unique event unites two sporting codes to drive meaningful conversations around men’s mental health in a time where it matters more than ever. Featuring a star-studded lineup including Cameron Schwab, James Hird, Eddie McGuire, Brad Johnson and Melbourne Storm’s Craig Bellamy & Frank Ponissi + newly announced guests, Stephen Kernahan, Billy Brownless and Tony Jones, alongside ambassadors Kevin Sheedy, Tim Mannah, Matthew Richardson and Andrew Conway, the day will deliver powerful insights, real stories and honest discussions on resilience, wellbeing and life beyond the game.
Guests will enjoy a premium experience with a two-course luncheon and three-hour drinks package overlooking the MCG, complemented by dynamic panel sessions, exclusive entertainment and an exciting memorabilia auction. With additional special guests and surprises still to be revealed, this year’s event promises to be the biggest yet. All proceeds support The Male Hug’s 1800MYBUDDY Hotline, providing vital mental health support to men across Australia — making this not just an event, but a chance to be part of real change.
Proudly partnered by: Institute of Public Accountants, BDO Australia, BGL Corporate Solutions, Lending Association, Nationwide Corporate Services, Shaw and Partners, and Astera Accountants.
Learn more
We are The Male Hug, a not for profit organisation that is committed to raising awareness and prevention education for men’s mental health for professional males. We are dedicated to providing support, educational programs for organisations and a platform for professional males to talk and engage openly in a safe and friendly environment that is free of judgement.
Kicking Goals for Mental Health – Read Issue 3 of Quarter Time
Welcome to the bumper third edition of The Male Hug’s official magazine, Quarter Time.
In this Edition we highlight our upcoming Event of the Year at the MCG in June – Kick a Goal for Mental Health. We have a deep chat with our special guest on the day, ex AFL umpire and a strong advocate of our cause and men’s mental health, Ray Chamberlain.
We also continue our exclusive insight at how Executives manage stress. . We also discuss what makes a good man.
Click on the link below to view the magazine.
View Magazine
Ready to talk? We’re ready to listen
CALL US ON
1800 MY BUDDY
Call us on 1800 692 833 – our free 24 hour/7 day a week Hotline today and we will connect you with one of our volunteer Buddies. Discuss whatever you’re comfortable with. All conversations take place in a safe, confidential, non-judgemental and friendly space. A problem shared is a problem halved.
Help Us Help Others
We need your help to continue to make a difference to men’s mental health across Australia . Your donation helps us continue our Let’s Chat Buddy program and Education workshops within businesses.
How can I help? Donate
Let’s Chat Buddy Program
Need someone to talk to? Feeling overwhelmed? We’re here to listen.
At The Male Hug, our aim has always been to tackle the stigma associated with men’s mental health and talking is a key way to help with feelings of loneliness, anxiety and being overwhelmed. The Let’s Chat Buddy Program enables men who want to talk to connect with people for a chat that will be understanding, empathetic and non judgmental.
I want to talk to someone Learn More
Educational Presentations and Workshops
The Male Hug deliver tailored workshops to community groups, associations and businesses on the importance of, and tips for maintaining, good mental health.
Learn more about our workshops
Insights and Resources
Another powerful and emotional sold-out day at the MCG. Kick a Goal for Mental Health No 2 was an incredible day of connection and raising awareness about the importance of positive mental health.
Our biggest and boldest Talktober yet saw many across the nation `pass the mic’ for men’s mental health A message from our CEO and Founder Tony Rabah. Dear friends, What…
Another powerful and emotional sold-out day at the MCG. Kick a Goal for Mental Health No 2 was an incredible day of connection and raising awareness about the importance of positive mental health.
View All News
We are The Male Hug
We seek to eliminate the scourge of men’s mental health issues in Australia by promoting a safe and friendly environment for me to share problems – a problem shared is a problem halved.
Find out who The Male Hug are and what we believe in.
Learn More
“A problem shared is a problem halved”
Jonathan Hay on his battle with Mental Health
The Male Hug ambassador and former AFL footballer Jonathan Hay has bravely spoken to the Herald Sun’s John Ralph about his battle with Mental Health issues and Drug and Alcohol addiction in the hope it will encourage other men to speak freely about their problems.
Read more
Let’s Chat
Need someone to talk to? Feeling overwhelmed? We’re here to listen.
Learn more
Join the conversation
Join us online on our various Social Channels. There are some great topical and casual discussions you’d really enjoy.
Find out more
