What a day. 🩵💙
The Male Hug was proud to welcome a record 430 guests to our fifth annual Kick a Goal for Mental Health luncheon at the iconic MCG – our biggest event yet.
The purpose of the day was simple: to shine the biggest possible light on men’s mental health, encourage men to talk, and raise vital funds to support our mental health education programmes and 1800 MY BUDDY hotline. Thanks to the incredible generosity of everyone who attended, donated and participated throughout the day, we achieved exactly that.
Every dollar raised helps us continue providing free, safe and judgement-free conversations through our 1800 MY BUDDY hotline while supporting mental health education programmes and community initiatives that encourage men to speak up before they reach crisis.
What happened throughout the day went far beyond a fundraising event. It was a powerful reminder that when a community comes together behind a shared purpose, lives can be changed. The work made possible through this event is genuinely changing and saving lives.
We extend our sincere thanks to our ambassadors Kevin Sheedy, Matthew Richardson, Andrew Conway FIPA and Tim Mannah for continuing to champion our mission.
A heartfelt thank you also goes to our special guests Cameron Schwab, James Hird, Craig Bellamy, Frank Ponissi, Billy Brownless, Mark Harvey, Brad Johnson, Eddie McGuire, Belle Lynch, Mike Brady and Brad Blaze, along with our outstanding MC, Tony Jones. Your stories, insights, honesty and entertainment created an unforgettable afternoon while reinforcing the importance of talking openly about men’s mental health.
We are incredibly grateful to our valued partners Institute of Public Accountants, BDO Australia, BGL Corporate Solutions, The Lending Association, Shaw and Partners, Astera Accountants and Nationwide Corporate Services. Your unwavering support continues to make our work possible and has a lasting impact on the lives of men and their families.
Special thanks also to our gracious hosts at the MCG, Jon Toop and the TSC Group, our outstanding auctioneer, John Rombotis, and our dedicated board members, Buddy team and volunteers. Countless hours of planning and preparation happen behind the scenes, and this event simply would not be possible without your passion and commitment.
As Kick a Goal for Mental Health continues to grow each year, so too does our ability to reach more men, start more conversations and provide more support where it is needed most.
To everyone who joined us, donated and stood beside The Male Hug, thank you. Together, we are breaking the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and ensuring more men know they never have to face life’s challenges alone.
Our biggest event yet may be over, but our mission continues.
If you’d like to support The Male Hug, your tax-deductible donation will help fund our 1800 MY BUDDY hotline, mental health education programmes and community initiatives, ensuring more men have access to free, safe and judgement-free support when they need it most.
Thank you for helping us keep the conversation going. 🩵💙
Kick a Goal for Mental Health 2026 Gallery
