Young men from schools across the Illawarra came together this week for the Illwarra Top Blokes Tee Off Grad Club event. The day was designed to bring boys out of the classroom and onto the golf course, while tackling one of the most important conversations they’ll face: how to support a mate through tough times.
At the heart of the event was the launch of the Level Up: Support a Mate workshop – a new workshop from Top Blokes Foundation that gives teenage boys practical skills to look out for one another, have difficult conversations, and play a role in suicide prevention and mental health support.
Keely, Top Blokes Grad Club Coordinator, reflects,
“It was so warming to see a room full of boys that I had mentored across the last couple of years from different schools all in one big room where all together, we spoke about the same insights we’d captured in smaller rooms in the past.”
The workshop gave participants the chance to step into real-life scenarios, from recognising the signs of someone struggling to practicing how to keep conversations open when things get uncomfortable. Some boys brought deep psychological thought to their answers, while others showed real empathy, curiosity and courage in tackling sensitive topics.
“I was so impressed to see them giving each of the scenarios a good go … handling the conversations with such curiosity and empathy.”
After the workshop, the boys swapped the classroom for the course, taking part in a friendly 9-hole competition. For many it wasn’t their first time on the greens, some wanted the best chances of taking home the prize so had their parents drop off their clubs off in the morning.
“It was such an ideal space for the boys to get out, walk around, hit some balls and have a laugh amongst healthy competition. They were all really encouraging of each other during the game, and celebrated everyone’s involvement afterwards!”
The day wrapped up with a ceremony, the winning team took home some Top Blokes Merch and all participants were presented a Certificate of Completion for the Level Up: Support a Mate Workshop.
A special thank you to the schools and teachers who helped guide the boys through both the workshop and the course. Shout out to Port Kemba Golf Club for hosting this huge Grad Club Event!
Why this matters
Grad Club events like this show the power of combining fun, connection, and important conversations. By giving young men the skills and confidence to support their mates, Top Blokes Foundation is helping to build resilience, break down stigma around mental health, and create a generation of boys who are ready to step up for each other.
