This was a night of health, humour and mateship where more than 150 men gathered drawing a wide cross-section of people across the region including farmers, tradies, fisherman, golfers, bowlers, footballers, fireman, ambos, police, serviceman and retirees gathering to hear some good stories, share some good stories and enjoy each others company. 

The evening was a casual affair, with a barbecue, a beer and a good yarn with plenty of entertainment.

The men had the opportunity of a health check with Dr Sanjay and his team, a dietitian was also available and numerous allied health support services.

We would like to acknowledge the Boorowa Recreation Club for providing the venue and the bowlers for the blokes’ barbecue.

Keynote speakers included:

Dr Sanjay Bhargava – “Take Care of your Body – It’s the Only Place You Have to Live”.  

Sanjay gave a direct and honest presentation on the many various aspects of men’s health including obesity, diabetes, mental and sexual health and diet.

His presentation was not a lecture but rather a conversation that encouraged the blokes to think and talk and act when it came to their health and diet and the benefit of seeking advice.

Peter Wilkins (Wilko) – Multi-media award winning Broadcaster and former ABC Sports Presenter – “Chasing Wombats”.

Wilko gave a sincere and humorous account of this own life’s up’s and down, even the famous get their fair share of personal battles.

He spoke with energy about the importance of having good people in your life and not doing it on your own like a wombat does.

Relevance deprivation is something that can strike not only the high profile but all of us at one time or another.

Wilko was very happy to share his experience with it and how he has dealt with his demons.

He decided to get out of the big smoke and chase some fresh air, some good people and some wombats, and its working. 

He made his points by telling entertaining stories and singing songs.

Richie Fleming – local personality and MC – “From Dublin to Boorowa – an Irishman’s Journey”. 

Richie’s story of his own battle with depression and anxiety that started in Dublin 12 years ago, gave the 150 odd blokes in the room an insight into how a young bloke took it upon himself to do something about it.

Whilst he did touch on the many dark and horrible days he endured, he mostly spoke with hope and humour about coming to terms with, and managing depression.

His advice was to talk to someone, and if that doesn’t work talk to someone else, and if that doesn’t work talk to someone else.

Stick at it because if you do, you will come out the other end.

He did.

Richie suffers from symptoms of depression to this day, but it’s okay because he has the bastard of a disease at bay and he continues to share his experience with others in the hope that it will help them do the same.

John (Stinker) Clarke from the ABC Radio Program  “The Big Fish” and Sports Enthusiast – “The Adventures of Stinker and the Stinkpot”.  

John had the audience roaring with laughter telling his fishing tips and the adventures of his little boat the “Stinkpot”.

He delivered the yarns with great enthusiasm for fishing and for life and those in attendance LOVED it.

He had a genuine interest in Boorowa and the Hilltops and the people who live here.

He actually stayed in the area the whole weekend, attended the footy on Saturday afternoon in Boorowa, he was back in the pub on Saturday night telling more yarns and singing songs and wound up in Wombat on Sunday doing more of the same. 

We think he enjoyed being here just as much (perhaps more) as we enjoyed having him. 

Thanks Stinker.

Special Guest Appearance – Gretel Killeen

Gretel spoke passionately about how important it is for men to be themselves, to lose the old-fashioned stereotypes and be who they want to be.

And she told the blokes to embrace the females in their life without reservation.

Gretel spoke well and honestly!

Words from Rick Power

Rick rounded off the formalities with poetry and humour.

Rick’s very funny and light-hearted commentary on married life had people in stitches which was a very appropriate lead in to the few beers and laughs that followed.

There was a wholesome buzz of enjoyment!  

The response to this event has been overwhelming and the numerous media outlets have picked it up include local identity Roger Cooper obtaining a spot on the ABC Radio Program “The Big Fish”.

A very big shout out and congratulations must go to Janene Hurley, Mel Ford, Cr Wendy Tuckerman and Richie Fleming for putting together a wonderfully evening that everyone wholeheartedly enjoyed.

Richie has a job for life as MC of “A Day for the Blokes” he held the audience with his energy and a touch of Irish humour!

Among other prizes A Port Stephens Water Wonderland Holiday Package was won by Roger Webster.

Other prizes donated locally were 2017 NSW Waratahs Rugby Jumper, and an array of many more prizes were be raffled on the night.

Sponsors

We would like to acknowledge our sponsors for their support of “A Blokes Day Out”. We certainly could not have held this without their support.  

Major Sponsors include:

It should be noted that the people of Port Stephens were incredibly generous with their donation towards their bush cousins those being: Imagine Cruises, Shoal Bay Country Club, Shoal Bay Stand Up Paddle, Alloggio, Blue Water Grill, Nelsons Bay Golf Club, Oakvale Wildlife Park, and 4WD Tours R Us.

Other business house and community sponsors include:  

This event received overwhelming support and has the opportunity to develop into something much bigger.

We thank all those who made the effort to attend “A Day Out for the Blokes”.