Blokes front up to prostate problem

Members of the Casey Cardinia Biggest Ever Blokes Lunch committee, back, from left, Norm Davidson, Jack Mitchell, Garry Howe, Brendan Fitzsimmons, Richard Sherman. Front: Damien McKenna, Mark Graham, Brian Paynter, Dan O'Loughlin and Paul Thomas.122704_01

FAR too many men are impacted, or will be impacted, by prostate cancer.
So a bunch of good blokes from across the Casey-Cardinia region, at the initiative of Star News Group, are spearheading a local campaign to do something about it.
A committee has been put together to organise Casey Cardinia’s Biggest Ever Blokes Lunch, to be held at the Cardinia Cultural Centre on Friday 12 September.
Casey Cardinia BEBL Committee chairman Garry Howe said the idea was to get over 400 men in a room for an unashamedly ‘blokey’ event, to not only raise money to help prostate cancer research but spread a message of awareness in the hope that most will do something about the scourge.
Mr Howe said the idea was also to have a bit of fun along the way.
Former Australian Test cricketer Damien Fleming and AFL star forward Scott Cummings will regale guests with stories from their sporting past.
AFL games record holder Michael Tuck is also expected to make an appearance and will be interviewed by MC Brian Paynter.
“Similar events held across the state over the past few years have attracted a lot of interest,” Mr Howe said. “Some are sold out months before the event.”
The Biggest Ever Blokes Lunch series was conceived by Shepparton News proprietor Chris McPherson after a run-in with the disease and now there are several held across the state, with newspaper companies taking the lead.
Tickets are $110, which includes a barbecue lunch, drinks and a full afternoon of entertainment. Tables of 10 are encouraged.
Sponsorship packages are available at $5000 (patron), $2500 (gold) and $1000 (silver).
Organising committee members include Star News Group managing director Paul Thomas, marketing manager Richard Sherman and community members Brian Paynter, Adam Khan, Dan O’Loughlin, Damien McKenna, Jack Mitchell, Andrew Pomeroy, Mark Graham, Brendan Fitzsimmons, Brad Alden-Brown, Travis Delarue and Norm Davidson.
All proceeds from the lunch will go to the Prostrate Cancer Foundation of Australia’s Victorian branch to channel into research and awareness initiatives.
To pledge support, book a table or discuss sponsorship details, contact Mr Howe on 0407 203 525 or email garry.howe@starnewsgroup.com.au