Biggest Blokes Lunch a belly full of laughs for good cause

By Oliver Shedden

Oct 8, 2024

Over 300 blokes from Echuca-Moama and surrounding areas gathered at Echuca Racing Club for an afternoon of good fun for an even better cause. Photos: Aidan Briggs. Photo by Aidan Briggs

Echuca-Moama’s Biggest Blokes Lunch returned for another afternoon of great laughs, food and company at Echuca Racing Club on Friday, October 4.

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In its 12th year, the event featured lunch and drinks for guests, silent and live actions, a raffle and entertainment from a slew of notable guests.

The 2024 iteration featured comedians Tom Siegbert, aka ‘The Suburban Footballer’, and Des Dowling, Echuca Regional Health director of nursing, cancer and wellness Lynne Jefferson and Collingwood premiership player and Brownlow medallist Dane Swan.

Collingwood premiership player and Brownlow medallist Dane Swan regaled the audience with tales from his time in the AFL . Photo by Aidan Briggs

Each year, Biggest Blokes Lunches are held across Victoria to increase awareness of prostate cancer and raise funds for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

The initiative first launched in Shepparton in 2009 and has since raised millions for research and local prostate cancer specialist nurses.

Echuca-Moama’s event raises money to fund the prostate care nurse position at Echuca Regional Health.

The Great Postie Bike Adventure crew from Horizon Committee volunteered at the event. Photo by Aidan Briggs

The event is run annually by charitable organisation Horizon Committee, which also runs the Great Postie Bike Adventure.

Horizon Committee member Jamie Horkings spoke about the purpose of the event and how rewarding it was to see the volume of support.

Attendees Craig Maconachie, Trevor Coghill and Paul Carey. Photo by Aidan Briggs

“The Horizon Committee have been running the event for the last 12 years and every year is an instant sell-out, people always want to come back,” he said.

“We have been supporting the prostate care nurse at ERH through this event and making sure we raise enough money to try and cover the costs for that position.

Writer and comedian Des Dowling entertained over 300 guests at the event. Photo by Aidan Briggs

“Having access to a prostate care nurse and that level of care is wonderful for the community.

“It’s very heart-warming to see that people always tip into their pocket to contribute to a great cause; we never have any issues selling tickets, or auction items.

Haydn Edwards, Rhys Woodland and Dylan Pinney are all smiles. Photo by Aidan Briggs

“Everyone always gets behind it and supports it really well, it makes organising the event effortless.”

Guest speaker and Collingwood Football Club legend Dane Swan emphasised how much he enjoyed speaking at the event and the joy he felt when he was able to help.

Echuca Racing Club’s pavilion was packed with blokes pitching in for a good cause. Photo by Aidan Briggs

“It’s great to be here and to be even asked to come and help such a good cause and wonderful occasion,” he said.

“I think it’s critical to support a cause such as prostate cancer, which isn’t discussed enough, so to come here and raise some much-needed funds is easy for me, and I’m happy to do it.

“I always enjoy coming and talking at events like this, I love getting around and meeting good people and having a beer with everyone.”