16 October 2025
Record-breaking Baw Baw’s Biggest Ever Blokes lunch honours local prostate cancer champion
More than $310,000 was raised to support Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and local community causes, taking the much-loved event’s total fundraising tally to more than $2.2 million.
Over seven hundred people attended Baw Baw’s Biggest Ever Blokes Lunch at Lardner Park, on Friday, 10 October, to not only raise funds for deserving beneficiaries, but also to keep men’s health awareness, including the country’s most diagnosed cancer, high on the agenda.
Baw Baw local prostate cancer advocate Linton Blackwell was presented with a special Certificate of Appreciation by PCFA, recognising his outstanding service and contribution to the lives of Australians impacted by prostate cancer.
Mr Blackwell, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2011, shortly after his 60th birthday, said it was a huge surprise and an absolute honour to be recognised in front of so many people at a much-loved community event.
“I don’t do it for the recognition. I do it because I know how much support matters when you’re going through prostate cancer,” Mr Blackwell added.
“When I was first diagnosed, my wife and I didn’t know what to expect. It was a frightening time, but having someone to talk to who’d been through prostate cancer made all the difference,” Mr Blackwell said.
“That support carried us through, and it’s what inspired me to help others facing the same journey.”
After years of involvement with the Bairnsdale Prostate Cancer Support Group, Mr Blackwell recognised a need closer to home. He helped launch the Warragul Prostate Cancer Support Group, which held its first meeting in March and now has around 20 members.
“There were men and families in our area who needed somewhere to connect and share their experiences,” he said. “We started small, and now it’s become a real community of hope and understanding.”
Mr Jamie Power, organiser of Baw Baw’s Biggest Ever Blokes Lunch, said Mr Blackwell’s recognition made this year’s event especially memorable.
“Linton embodies what this lunch is all about: mateship, awareness, and looking out for one another. His compassion and leadership have inspired countless people across Gippsland,” Mr Power said.
Mr Power said the jam-packed lunch was a day full of laughter, generosity, and community spirit. The program featured a live wood-eagle carving by Paul Stafford, a welcome from MC Luke Patterson, and an address by event president Jamie Power before guests enjoyed a gourmet lunch and a powerful men’s health presentation from urologist Dr David Dangerfield.
Guests were also treated to world-class comedy, with performances by Evan Hocking, Akmal, and Lawrence Mooney, who had the crowd in stitches throughout the afternoon.
The day also included fundraising games such as ‘The Patron’s Putt’, a major live auction, and raffle and prize draws, all supported by local businesses.
This year, the Baw Baw Big Blokes were proud to donate $50,000 to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, in addition to a $10,000 contribution to Linton Blackwell’s ‘Long Run’ campaign helping propel him into the 5th highest national fundraiser in 2025.
Mr Power said that events like these are a reminder for every man to look after their health.
“Go and get your PSA test done. Don’t put it off. Early detection can save your life.”
Despite the national spotlight, Mr Blackwell remains humble about the recognition.
“I do it to raise awareness of prostate cancer. IT’s the country’s number one cancer, and not many men know about it or how easy it is to now get tested for it. A PSA test saves lives. Please get checked if you haven’t yet.”
Baw Baw’s Biggest Ever Blokes Lunch will be back next year. Please click here to register your interest: https://www.bawbawbigblokes.com/
