Queensland State Government allocates significant funding to Brave Brothers and Men of Business
David Facer, founder of the Bundaberg Men’s Mental Health Charity Brave Brothers, has received 142K in State Liberal Government funding to place one of its key initiatives into high-traffic, public facing locations.
The Brave Place Safe Space program puts key men’s health messages and training into local spots such as clubs, cafes, gyms, garages, sports clubs and yarning circles, creating an inclusive and supportive environment for people facing mental health challenges, risks of suicide, family and domestic violence and homelessness.
Mr Facer said the Government grant would go towards establishing a Brave Place at the Bundaberg World Gym, where staff will be trained in suicide prevention and domestic violence awareness.
“The goal is to have difficult conversations, facilitate referrals and create change,” he said, adding that the gym was a great venue with 4000 members. “We encourage all businesses, clubs and sporting organisations to come on board and reach out to us to become a Brave Place.
Politicians backing the charity, men’s health suicide prevention, and DV awareness include Stephen Bennett MP Bree Watson - LNP for Bundaberg David Crisafulli MP and Tim Nicholls MP.
Learn more about Brave Brothers’ Brave Spaces initiative
Men of Business, based in Southport, Qld, also received funding last month from a $50 million State Government investment into prevention-focused education across Queensland. The MOB Academy was one of four schools to receive funding, with $10 million allocated to the organisation’s programs. “This means we’ll be able to open our doors to younger students, expanding from Years 11–12 to a full Years 7–12 offering, giving more boys the chance to find belonging, guidance and purpose earlier in their journeys,” MOB said in a Facebook post.
“It also means purpose-built facilities that reflect the care, safety, and structure our young men deserve, and the ability to support more families in our community.”
Photo credit: MOB with Laura Gerber (Minister for Youth Justice & Victim Support & Minister for Corrective Services) and Rob Molhoek (State member for Southport)
The Men of Business Academy develops young men along the journey to manhood through role modelling and mentoring. It’s leadership and mentoring programs have been running for the last 10 years. MOB was created by Marco Renai with a clear purpose: to improve the lives of as many boys as possible. MOB programs have helped thousands of boys and the MOB Academy, which opened in April 2020 now has over 40 staff and 200 students.