Men who Matter

WORDS: Ocean Road Editorial Staff PHOTOGRAPHY Brian Usher - www.usherusher.com 0412 910 857

Stories of hope and inspiration shone at the inaugural Men Who Matter event at Currumbin RSL where around 150 guests connected for an afternoon of conversation and contemplation.

Punters soaked in stories of tragedy and triumph as big wave charger and surfing wipeout survivor Mark Matthews joined brave and boundless blokes Tim Adams, Tommy Herschel and Steve Ramsay to talk leadership, mental health, resilience and the role men play in shaping emotionally safe homes, workplaces, families and communities.

Mark Mathews shared some of his lessons about Courage; Resilience; Managing fear; Leadership and Performing under pressure.

An attitude of gratitude beamed through lived experiences, creating one of the most talked about events of the year to support Heal.ed Tribe – a local charity that delivers support programs for youth.

One of the highlights of the event was an artistic surfboard design donated by artist Kris Olsen and signed by Mark Matthews which was auctioned for $6000.

The breakthrough initiative was sponsored by local Councillor Josh Martin, Soak Bathhouse and corporate partners including Media Hunt and Kick Push Skate.

The panel session was a powerful moment where Tim, Tommy and Steve shared their experiences about loss, hardship and how we can lead, communicate, support each other and show up in everyday life.

Ocean Road scribe Jason Oxenbridge was emcee and he facilitated conversations around men’s emotional wellbeing, vulnerability, mateship and leadership.