Places are diminishing quickly for one of Latrobe Valley’s biggest fundraising events – the entertainment packed Latrobe’s Biggest Ever Blokes BBQ – in Morwell this Friday.
As one of the nation’s most successful fundraisers for prostate cancer – a condition that takes more victims than breast cancer – the Biggest BBQ event will shed a spotlight on something every man should be aware of.
With the likes of the Footy Show’s Sam Newman and Gary Lyon, footballing legend Tommy Hafey and musician Greg Champion booked in to entertain the masses, the event has attracted a strong range of local sponsors, with the Bendigo Bank and Colin Watson Holden two of the events’ patrons.
Colin Watson Mistibushi sales manager John Groen said the event, and the cause it supported, should be on every Valley man’s radar.
“Most of my mates are on top of prostate awareness; we talk about it while we are out – but there is a fear there of getting the test done at first, but once done not as bad as you imagine it will be,” Mr Groen said.
Bendigo Bank Moe branch manager Jake Jacovou said the bank had also supported a previous Biggest BBQ in Warragul last year, as men’s health needed all the promotion it could get.
“This is a great community event promoting men’s health and this is something everyone should be aware of, and by coming, men can do their bit and put a bit more awareness out there,” Mr Jacovou said.
About 20,000 Australian males are diagnosed with prostate cancer annually, with statistics showing men in regional areas 21 per cent more susceptible, however the condition is preventable if monitored early.
Biggest BBQ chair Ian Nethercote said the Biggest BBQ committee had put in “tremendous” effort to bring the event to life.
“We are quite confident we will have a successful day and one which will certainly add to the levels of awareness and opportunities to improve prostate research activities for regional Victoria and the greater good,” Mr Nethercote said.
“It’s been a big task and one that has been very worthwhile – already through our preparation we can see that we will be filling a bit of a (prostate awareness) knowledge gap that is out there.
“Hopefully that within a few years, we will talk about this with way breast cancers talked about.”
A number of table bookings are still available at $1100 for tables of 10, while single seat purchases can also be made, through Alfi Prestipino, phone 5133 7022 or 0412 747 476, and Mike Answerth on 0438 048 150 or by emailing latrobebbq@lvexpress.com.au
