National Men’s Health Gathering to feature new $25,000 Black Dog Ride Pitchfest
Grassroots men’s mental health projects will take centre stage at the National Men’s Health Gathering 2025, with the launch of the Black Dog Ride Pitchfest at the Brisbane Showgrounds this October.
The initiative is a collaboration between the Australian Men’s Health Forum and Black Dog Ride Australia (BDRA), designed to support community-led solutions that improve men’s mental health and help prevent male suicide.
The Pitchfest will be held on Friday 24 October 2025 on the last day of the three-day Gathering, which brings together a diverse and expanding sector of individuals and organisations working to create a healthier world for men and boys, and everyone in Australia.
Register for the National Men’s Health Gathering
Apply for Pitchfest
The first step to taking part in the Pitchfest is filling out this form by midnight, Sunday 5th October.
Up to 10 grassroots organisations and individuals will be selected to pitch their ideas in a dynamic 90-minute session at The Gathering.
Prizes include $5000 for the overall winner, $1000 for four runners-up, and $200 for five additional finalists. To ensure accessibility, up to 10 bursaries will also be awarded to help shortlisted participants attend the event.
All projects must demonstrate a direct benefit for men and align with the goals of the BDRA Community Grants Program, which supports initiatives that are cost-effective, sustainable, and capable of making a measurable impact on men’s mental health.
Building on Black Dog Ride’s mission
Since its inception, Black Dog Ride Australia has built a strong national following through its annual “1 Dayer” motorcycle rides, held on the third Sunday of March across every state and territory. These rides not only raise awareness about depression and suicide prevention but also connect riders, local businesses, and community groups with mental health services.
Funds raised through these activities are channelled into the Community Grants Program, which has backed projects that raise public awareness, support people living with mental illness, and strengthen suicide prevention efforts.
The new Pitchfest takes this commitment one step further, giving grassroots groups the opportunity to showcase their work on a national stage.
Judging and participation
Entries will be assessed by a panel comprising AMHF and BDRA representatives. Shortlisted participants will be given a set time to pitch their ideas before the judging panel and live audience at the Gathering.
The Black Dog Ride Pitchfest is expected to generate strong interest among grassroots organisations working to improve men’s health and wellbeing.
