Startling truth: regional NSW men often lack the steady support network that can make life-saving differences in times of crisis. This issue hit close to home for farmer Keith Cowen, who faced a heart attack on his remote Weethalle property eight years ago. By the time he reached an operating table in Wagga Wagga, five hours had passed, and the delay culminated in heart failure. Facing a future of farming unable to continue, he prepared for the possibility of needing a heart transplant.
Three years ago, a donor matched with him. Yet transplant eligibility required a support system for the four months he would spend in Sydney. Cowen turned to his friends and started a Facebook group asking for help; within two days he had four months of assistance lined up. The transplant succeeded, but the experience sparked a larger concern: many regional men may not have such dependable networks when they need it most.
Reflecting on his luck, Cowen asked, and then acted: how many men are without a few weeks of reliable support when illness or crisis strikes? This realization led him to establish a Men’s Table chapter in Griffith, aligning with The Men’s Table, a national nonprofit where men gather monthly for structured, meaningful conversations over dinner.
Cowen also connected with Grab Life by the Balls, a charity that promotes male mental health and wellbeing through social connection and mateship, and recently launched a Griffith group. He emphasizes a simple truth: three to five close friends can be a lifeline when trouble hits.
Tackling loneliness is crucial. Ending Loneliness Together notes that Australian men are 1.5 times more likely than women to experience persistent social isolation. Psychologist Carl Nelms, who founded Blokes Psychology, praises casual, buddy-style networks like Grab Life by the Balls for their effectiveness. A sense of connection and support can substantially improve happiness and life quality. Still, barriers persist: inadequate targeted services for men and gaps in understanding how the male brain processes help-seeking.
Nelms explains that societal expectations to be the provider deter many men from seeking support, often delaying care until situations are dire. Sam Parker, founder of Grab Life by the Balls, was motivated by the issues he witnessed to start his charity. Originating from Leeton in western Riverina, Parker grew up with a regional NSW mindset that prioritizes mateship and informal connection—think dads with beers by the barbed-wire fence or conversations in the shearing shed—which he believes fostered a practical, “blokey” approach to staying socially connected.
Now in its ninth year, Grab Life by the Balls has expanded to 25 groups across Queensland, the ACT, and regional NSW. Parker says his mission is to give back to the community and improve men’s mental health outcomes in regional Australia. Cowen echoes the sentiment: the journey has been profoundly rewarding and underscores the importance of enduring male friendships as a foundation for resilience.
And this is where the conversation often gets controversial: should support networks be formalized through nonprofits, or should local communities naturally evolve more informal, grassroots safety nets? What’s your take on how best to ensure every man in regional areas has access to reliable support when it matters most?
