Melissa Abu-Gazaleh,
Founder and Managing Director
Melissa Abu-Gazaleh, crowned the 2017 EY Social Entrepreneur of the Year and 2016 NSW Young Australian of the Year, is a trailblazer in reshaping young male mental health in Australia. At 19, she noticed so many young men around her masking their pain and mental health issues through drugs, alcohol, risk-taking and self-harm. Alarmed by the high rates of youth crime, alcohol-related violence, and suicide among young men, Melissa saw an urgent need to enhance their social and emotional wellbeing.
In 2006, Melissa founded the Top Blokes Foundation, a charity dedicated to transforming the lives of boys and young men through innovative, evidence-based peer mentoring and social education programs. Since then, the team’s work has significantly boosted the mental health and wellbeing of over 20,000 young males.
Proud to be recognised as
EY Social Entrepreneur of the Year – 2017
NSW Young Australian of the Year from the National Australia Day Council – 2016
IMB Bank’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Illawarra) – 2015
Volunteer of the Year (Illawarra) – 2014
Speaking
As a sought-after speaker, Melissa has shared her insights and inspired change at leadership, business, men’s health and youth conferences and events. Her dynamic and inspiring talks have mobilised countless Australians to join in nurturing a new generation of ‘Top Blokes,’ committed to positive change and community leadership.
Book MelissaA history of Top Blokes
Melissa Abu-Gazaleh established the Top Blokes Awards, recognising young males who volunteered and inspired others to reach their full potential in the Illawara community.
2006
Melissa founded Top Blokes Foundation.
2011
The first Top Blokes young male mentoring program was launched, focusing on boys and young men aged 14-17 years old.
2012
The second mentoring program was launched, focusing on 16-24 year old young men.
2013
Top Blokes expanded to Lake Macquarie, Western Sydney and the Central Coast of NSW.
2017
The third young male mentoring program launched, focusing on boys aged 10-13 years old.
2018
Top Blokes expanded to Queensland.
2020
The Graduate Club was launched for all Top Blokes mentoring program alumni, reaching 15,000 boys and young men. Plus, Top Blokes Foundation was recognised as Australian Charity of the Year.
2022
Celebrated mentoring 20,000 boys and young men.
2023
Latest news and updates
In the mediaTop Blokes Takes Lift the Load to Sunrise
13 October 2025
This morning, Sunrise featured the Top Blokes Foundation and its nationwide Lift the Load Challenge, a movement inspiring Australians to take action for young men’s mental health this Mental Health Month. Broadcast live from Sydney, the segment brought together Top Blokes Ambassador Harry Garside, Top Blokes participants and Lift the Load supporters – all united […]
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Top Blokes newsKieran Foran: Champion On and Off the Field
3 October 2025
Kieran Foran, veteran NRL player and Top Blokes ambassador, has been awarded the prestigious Ken Stephen Medal at the 2025 Dally M Awards — one of the highest honours in rugby league for community service. At Top Blokes, we’re proud to have Kieran as one of our ambassadors. His journey mirrors everything we stand for: […]
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Community FundraisingWhy We Lift: Dan’s Story
24 September 2025
Some emotions are simply part of being human. Anger, resentment, stress—we all feel them at different times. The challenge is what happens when men keep those emotions bottled up. As Dan explains, “If you keep going and hold all those things inside, things are just going to get worse.” That’s why Dan is passionate about […]
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