General News
23 January, 2023
Monthly community barbecue to create place of support and connection for local men
“You don’t have to talk about mental health while you’re here, it’s a safe space that’s open to everyone.” The first barbecue was held on December 4, with the second held earlier this month on January 15. Mr Baker said he knew there was...
“It saved my life” — the power of a safe place and support group is no mystery to Luke Baker, the local man bringing a grassroots community event to Maryborough to help men talk about their mental health.
Mr Perfect is a community organisation connecting men across the country over a barbecue to chat about life, with Maryborough one of the newest communities to benefit from the grassroots movement.
Two barbecues have already been held in Maryborough, which are taking place on a monthly basis and organiser Mr Baker said it’s about providing a space where men can talk things through.
“I was a police officer for 15 years, I experienced mental health problems and was diagnosed with depression, anxiety and PTSD,” he said.
“As a male, there’s that stereotype that men don’t speak about what’s going on and as a police officer there was certainly that stereotype as well.
“I know the value of having a safe space and a support network because it saved my life.
“You don’t have to talk about mental health while you’re here, it’s a safe space that’s open to everyone.”
The first barbecue was held on December 4, with the second held earlier this month on January 15.
Mr Baker said he knew there was a need for this sort of outlet, particularly for men, in the local area.
“I grew up in Maryborough and work in Bendigo and having that local background, I had no doubt those two towns in particular could benefit from something like this,” he said.
“The last three years have played havoc for a lot of people so it’s important to provide options to get out and about and start socialising again.
“We had seven people come to the first barbecue in Maryborough and numbers were down a little bit for this month’s but it isn’t about the numbers, it’s about being an option for people.
“There’s been a lot of thanks for providing something like this that people can attend, I also organise the Bendigo event and we had an older gentleman in Bendigo front up who was a carer for his wife and it was the first time he’d been able to get out of the house and do something for himself in a few years which was really touching.”
While designed for men, Mr Baker said the barbecues are a safe and welcoming space for anyone to come and talk.
“While we focus on men’s health predominantly, the barbecues are open to everyone so anyone can come down and just talk about the footy, life, their work — you don’t have to talk about any issues or problems you’re experiencing,” he said.
“If people want to talk, we’re working to create an environment where people are able to.”
The events are being held on a monthly basis in Maryborough at the Coronation Park barbecue off Park Road (beside the soccer oval) between 2 and 4 pm.
The barbecues are free, with the next one taking place on Sunday, February 12, with more events continuing throughout the year.
For more information on the barbecues, the work Mr Perfect does or to see the schedule for upcoming events, search for Mr Perfect — Maryborough Community Group on Facebook or call Luke on 0400 352 630.