02 July 2026

Not just a fundraiser: Walk for Him puts Snowy Monaro PCSG on the map

When Michael Platts signed up for Walk for Him, he wasn't just doing it for the kilometres or to fundraise - he simply wanted more men to know that the Snowy Monaro Prostate Cancer Support Group existed.

Living in one of Australia's most geographically dispersed regions in rural New South Wales, the Snowy Monaro PCSG leader knew distance was one of the biggest barriers to connecting men affected by prostate cancer.

"We're in a very regional rural area, and distance has been a bit of a problem with our group," Mr Platts says.

"We were really just trying to promote our group, get a few more members and let people know that we're out there and be more visible. That was our main goal."

Mr Platts understands first-hand why that visibility matters. Following his own prostate cancer diagnosis, he experienced the uncertainty that so many men face and knows how important it is to have somewhere to turn for support and practical advice.

Rather than keeping that experience to himself, he chose to help other men by becoming actively involved in his local Prostate Cancer Support Group, ensuring no one has to navigate the journey alone.

Walk for Him became the perfect opportunity to spread that message.

Instead of walking in one location, the group took their campaign across several towns throughout the Snowy Monaro region during Men's Health Week, creating opportunities to start conversations and raise awareness wherever they went.

The campaign quickly gained momentum, which included priceless media coverage, helping the group reach far beyond their local communities.

The response exceeded every expectation.

"I was only aiming to get $500," Mr Platts says. "We're now well over $7,000. I'm quite overwhelmed, to be honest, at the support we got."

Just as importantly, the increased visibility has already led to new members joining the group, and Mr Platts is hopeful that even more men will attend upcoming meetings.

"We've got a couple of new members already, and hopefully we'll pick up a few more," he says.

"It doesn't matter how many people turn up. As long as people know we're there, that's what matters."

Mr Platts believes the biggest success wasn't the distance covered, but the conversations that followed.

"The actual distance was only pretty minimal," he says.

"It was more the awareness. We did it across a few different spots just to get a bit of attention. It was a good way to let people know we're about."

His advice to other Support Group leaders is simple: don't underestimate the power of joining a national fundraising campaign.

Whether your goal is attracting new members, strengthening community connections or simply raising awareness, campaigns like Walk for Him provide a powerful platform to tell your group's story, reach local media and remind men and their families that support is available close to home.

For Mr Platts and the Snowy Monaro team, one walk has already made a massive difference, and they're already planning an even bigger involvement in The Long Run this September.