The Latrobe Valley is set to host one of Australia’s most successful prostate cancer awareness fundraisers, in an effort to combat one of the male population’s biggest killers.
After raising hundreds of thousands of dollars in entertainment-packed events across the state last year, the ‘Biggest Ever Blokes BBQ’ will hit the Valley in May, with the hunt for sponsors and high profile entertainers already underway.
With first class entertainment and prizes, organisers say the day-long event will be about spreading the serious underlying message prostate cancer – with which 20,000 Australian men are diagnosed and 3300 die ever year – is in fact preventable.
After its widely-lauded inaugural event in Shepparton in 2011, hosted by Channel Nine’s Footy Show team, raised $134,000 for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, the Biggest Ever Blokes BBQ has spread like wildfire, with more than 10 events being held across the country last year.
The Warragul event took donations to the next level, with about 700 men attending to raise about $160,000.
PCFA state manager Kendra Overall said there was still much work needed to improve awareness of prostate cancer in regional areas such as the Latrobe Valley, where men have a 21 per cent higher prostate cancer mortality rate than their capital city counterparts.
“The barbecue events are absolutely fantastic, and they are the best way to get the serious message across where there’s a lot of laughter and camaraderie,” Ms Overall said.
“The members of the committee are very passionate about bringing this event to the Latrobe Valley, not only for the awareness and funds it will raise, but more importantly, the lives of the local men it will help save,” Latrobe barbecue chair Ian Nethercote said.
Latrobe’s Biggest Ever Blokes BBQ will be held on Friday, 31 May at Morwell’s Kernot Hall from 11am to 4pm.
Tables of 10 will be priced at $1100, inclusive of food, drinks and entertainment, with buses provided to and from the event via designated locations; all proceeds going to prostate cancer research and awareness.
For bookings and enquiries more information, phone Ian Nethercote on 0418 513 808 or Bruce Ellen on
0412 527 146, or email latrobebbq@lvexpress.com.au
