Author: Anthony Zapata
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50KM. 10KG. $50,000.
Top Blokes Foundation ambassadors Dr Justin Coulson and Kieran Foran will carry 10kg for 50km in a single day this World Mental Health Day, aiming to each raise $50,000 to help more boys and young men get the support, skills and connections they need early. On Saturday 10 October, parenting expert Dr Justin Coulson and…
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The boys’ influence on each other positively impacts the community.
Vin, for anyone who hasn’t heard of it, what is Lift the Load? Lift the Load for Mental Health is a month-long challenge to wear a 10kg vest and walk or run 50km across October. It symbolises helping lift the weight of mental health that young men around us in our community carry every day. …
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The work behind the vest: why Michael lifts the load.
Michael is a youth worker and Regional Coordinator with the Top Blokes Sydney team. Every week, he sees what can happen when boys and young men are given consistent space to talk, reflect and be heard. We spoke with him about why Lift the Load for Mental Health matters to him, the impact he sees in the classroom,…
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How Young Men’s Voices Changed the Conversation on Extremism
Categories: Top Blokes newsIn February 2026, we stood before the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into Measures to Combat Right-Wing Extremism with a simple mission: to ensure that young men’s voices had a seat at the table. Now, the final report has been released and it is clear that the stories, data, and lived experiences we shared have influenced the…
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Supporting Men and Boys – International Men’s Day 2025
Categories: Top Blokes newsToday is International Men’s Day, a time to recognise the achievements of men and boys, highlight positive role models, and focus on their mental and physical health. The 2025 theme is “Supporting Men and Boys”, reminding us that fostering supportive communities for males is more important than ever. At Top Blokes, supporting men and boys…
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Aaron Speaks to ABC Newcastle on the “Man Box” and What Boys Really Need
Categories: In the mediaYesterday, our Greater Hunter Regional Coordinator Aaron joined ABC Newcastle to unpack the latest Adolescent Man Box Study by Jesuit Social Services. The study explores the pressures boys face to appear “strong, tough and confident” at all times – and the impact this has on their wellbeing, friendships and relationships. The study found that two-thirds…
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Midcoast Trucks Drive Change, Raising Over $100,000 for Young Men’s Mental Health
Categories: Community FundraisingIn their very first year taking on the Lift the Load Challenge, the team at Midcoast Trucks have made history – raising an incredible $100,523 to support young men’s mental health through the Top Blokes Foundation. Lift the Load is a month-long challenge where participants wear a weighted vest throughout October – symbolising the invisible…
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Top Blokes Takes Lift the Load to Sunrise
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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World Suicide Prevention Day
Categories: Mentor Story[TW: SUICIDE] Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. It’s a day to shine a light on the lives lost, the battles fought in silence, and the hope that every conversation can save a life. Suicide affects too many young people in Australia, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Together, we can change the…
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Level Up: Support a Mate – A New Workshop Helping Boys Back Their Mates
Categories: Top Blokes newsAt 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.