HAVING its genesis in Nambucca Heads but now a monthly staple in Bowraville, a gathering known as the Blokes Brekky is doing wonders for the wellbeing of men in the community.

At 7:00 am on the first Saturday of each month men show up at the Anglican Hall in Young Street, Bowraville and for $5 enjoy a large cooked breakfast with tea and coffee while catching up with old friends and making new ones.

News Of The Area spoke to one of the driving forces behind the initiative and co-coordinator Jeff Mott.

Citing the tough times the town had been through with drought, bushfires, COVID, floods and the difficulty many men had in expressing their feelings, Jeff said, “This is a good chance for blokes to get together who may work long hours, maybe have lost their partner, be in hardship or incapacity to enjoy the interactivity they would not get anywhere else.”

Jeff added, “ Fellow coordinator Tony Fuller and I are so pleased that everyone who comes along gets something out of Blokes Brekky and they go away with a smile on their dial.”

Each month the Blokes Brekky also features a ten minute talk from a guest speaker.

Tony Fuller said, “We have had some interesting guest speakers, such as the Mayor, local Fire Brigade first responders, a lady doctor, a real estate agent, a tractor accident victim, a Blaze Aid coordinator and many more.”

The guest speaker for March was renowned musician Graham Howle, a Bowraville local who enthralled the gathering with his reflections on leaving Bowraville as a young man to see the world and his eventual return to his hometown.

Although the Blokes Brekky is greatly supported by the Anglican Parish Nambucca Valley, they are not religious events but rather focus on fellowship and general wellbeing.

A much anticipated aspect of the Blokes Brekky are some well researched and delivered jokes.

Tony Fuller laments, “Unfortunately the Anglican Hall at Bowraville can only sit 30 for breakfast and we have a bit of a waiting list.”

Through the generosity of the Anglican Parish Nambucca Valley, St James Anglican Church Bowraville, the efforts of Tony Fuller, Jeff Mott and an amazing team of volunteers in the kitchen, the health and wellbeing of men in the Bowraville community is in a better state.

 

By Mick BIRTLES