17 July 2026
Passionate singer and Sydney Male Choir member Gary Belgre is using the power of song to encourage Australian men to take their health seriously and speak with their doctor about prostate cancer testing.
Three weeks after celebrating his 80th birthday, Gary was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer.
The diagnosis followed severe pain in his pelvis, which was initially found to be caused by a fracture. Further testing revealed that the cancer had spread throughout his spine, ribs, pelvis, shoulders and legs.
It was devastating news, but Gary was determined that his diagnosis would not silence him.
Through treatment and the uncertainty of living with advanced prostate cancer, the Sydney Male Choir has remained an important source of friendship, purpose and connection.
Singing alongside his fellow choir members keeps Gary grounded and gives him a platform to share a potentially life-saving message with other men.
“Just get up and get your PSA checked,” Gary says.
Gary hopes that sharing his experience will encourage men, particularly those who feel healthy or have no symptoms, to speak with their GP about their individual risk of prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer often develops without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. A PSA blood test can help identify changes that may require further investigation.
Gary’s message will take centre stage when the Sydney Male Choir presents its annual concert, The Power of Song, at Sydney Town Hall on Saturday, 15 August 2026.
The concert will celebrate music’s ability to bring people together while proudly supporting Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and its work in research, awareness and support.
The program will include music by Leonard Bernstein, Crosby, Stills and Nash, John Paul Young and Coldplay, accompanied by the Sydney Town Hall Grand Organ and a line-up of special guest performers.
For Gary, the performance represents much more than another concert.
It is an opportunity to turn his experience into action, raise awareness and help ensure other men do not ignore their health.
Adult tickets are available for $10 using the promotional code "PCFA" at checkout: https://www.sydneymalechoir.com/
For more information about prostate cancer, or to find a support group, visit www.prostate.org.au or phone 1800 22 00 99 to speak with a Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse.
