07/12/2025
Hi all,
This is my latest column in Capcoast today
Please talk to your friends and share if you like .
 Opening up over snags
In my early twenties, I came close to making a bad choice.
What helped me pull through was the strong relationship I had with my parents. Because they were there for me, I was able to find my way back.
Not long after, my dad spent months training for a su***de-prevention walk. He trekked all the way from Rockhampton to Mackay, while another team made their way from Townsville to Mackay over ten days. I joined Dad for part of the journey, and looking back, I think it was a real turning point in our father–son relationship. Those long days on the road created memories that brought us closer than we had ever been.
According to Lifeline, nine Australians die by su***de every single day – more than double the national road toll – and 75% of them are men.
The truth is that we men aren’t always great at saying how we really feel. You know the conversation:
“How ya goin,’ mate?”
“Yeah, I am alright. You?”
Most of the time it’s automatic. But sometimes that “I’m alright” is covering stress, anxiety, or something much heavier. And because many of us have never been taught to talk openly about our feelings, we stay silent.
A couple of years ago, my friend Warren Maltby joined a charity called Mr Perfect. Armed with nothing more than a pair of tongs, he cooked snags to spark conversations – conversations that helped men ease into opening up about life and mental health. Warren told me some blokes did not say much at first… sometimes just a grunt. But eventually, in the right environment, they shared what they were carrying. As Warren said, everyone needs to feel comfortable before they can share their story.
Warren is stepping back, so I have volunteered to carry on what he started.
Mr Perfect is a not-for-profit community organisation that brings men together across Australia for a relaxed, free BBQ – a simple space to chat about anything and everything in life.
Let’s break down the barriers, one snag at a time.
Come along. Have a yarn. There is no pressure and no judgement.
hopefully, a cooked sausage and not burnt and good company.
My first BBQ will be at the southern end of Kemp Beach at the barbecues, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm December 14.
The barbecues will be held on the second Saturday of each month.
If you want to know, more go to the website www.mrperfect.org.au
If you or anyone you know needs support:
• Su***de Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Support Line – 13YARN: 13 92 76
• Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
• Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
• Headspace: 1800 650 890
• ReachOut: au.reachout.com
• MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978
• QLife: 1800 184 527

