Brendan Radke's photo used to illustrate Sun article on Bloke's Lounge
Bloke's Lounge - a place to make mates
I helped establish the Labrador Men's Shed, which is a great success, thanks to the ongoing efforts of the current committee and the keen support of City of Gold Coast.
However, as the shed developed it became apparent that social isolation remains a big issue among older males at the Gold Coast. In 2011, Gold Coast City recorded a resident population of 590,810 people; of those 109,384 were aged 60+. By 2031, this is age group is expected to increase by 89 per cent to 206,282.
Many blokes have shifted into units in multi-storey or studio-type complexes. Fitness and mobility problems often prevent them from playing sport or other physical pursuits, many are not interested in workshop-type activities and others have little access to transport.
My vision for a Bloke's Lounge to support men’s health and wellbeing and reduce social isolation is coming alone fine.
Although not a lounge as such, it is a safe, friendly, inclusive and accessible environment where blokes from all walks of life can:
In a nutshell: a place to meet new people and make new mates.
The Bloke’s Lounge Inc. was formed in September 2012. We have 70+ members - and growing - and meet at the Surfers Paradise Golf Club every second Tuesday, sometimes with guest speakers.
Apart from those gatherings members go walking, fishing, cycling, golfing, cards, barefoot bowls, to movies, have regular barbeques etc
Check the Bloke’s Lounge website for more details.
I helped establish the Labrador Men's Shed, which is a great success, thanks to the ongoing efforts of the current committee and the keen support of City of Gold Coast.
However, as the shed developed it became apparent that social isolation remains a big issue among older males at the Gold Coast. In 2011, Gold Coast City recorded a resident population of 590,810 people; of those 109,384 were aged 60+. By 2031, this is age group is expected to increase by 89 per cent to 206,282.
Many blokes have shifted into units in multi-storey or studio-type complexes. Fitness and mobility problems often prevent them from playing sport or other physical pursuits, many are not interested in workshop-type activities and others have little access to transport.
My vision for a Bloke's Lounge to support men’s health and wellbeing and reduce social isolation is coming alone fine.
Although not a lounge as such, it is a safe, friendly, inclusive and accessible environment where blokes from all walks of life can:
- socialise and make friends
- share their stories and experiences
- undertake meaningful activities, and
- boost theirs skills, confidence and self-esteem.
In a nutshell: a place to meet new people and make new mates.
The Bloke’s Lounge Inc. was formed in September 2012. We have 70+ members - and growing - and meet at the Surfers Paradise Golf Club every second Tuesday, sometimes with guest speakers.
Apart from those gatherings members go walking, fishing, cycling, golfing, cards, barefoot bowls, to movies, have regular barbeques etc
Check the Bloke’s Lounge website for more details.
