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 team honoured for pride in workmanship
16 June 2025
Last week, we had the chance to jump on the mic with 101.5FM and chat about the impact of the Top Blokes program across the Moreton Bay region — and how we’re backing young men to lead healthier, safer, and more connected lives.Our very own Reece Anderson, Regional Coordinator and all-round legend, was invited to […]
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Community FundraisingWe Tee Off for Men’s Health Week
13 June 2025
This Men’s Health Week, Federal Member for the Hunter and Special Envoy for Men’s Health, Mr Dan Repacholi MP, is encouraging Aussie men to grab their golf clubs, head to the greens, and take a swing for better physical and mental health. Recently appointed by the Prime Minister as the Special Envoy for Men’s Health, […]
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Community StoryFrom the Classroom to the Open Sea
4 June 2025
When Cooper first joined the Top Blokes mentoring program at Morayfield State High School, he was, in his own words, “this kid that wouldn’t be quiet, wouldn’t sit still.” Fast forward a year, and Cooper is about to embark on a week-long voyage from Brisbane to Gladstone — an experience that will test his courage […]
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