Brendan Radke's photo used to illustrate Sun article on Bloke's Lounge
Bloke's Lounge - a place to make mates
I helped, in a minor but important way, kick start the Labrador Men's Shed, which is a great success, thanks to the ongoing efforts of the committees and the keen support of City of Gold Coast.
However, as the shed developed it became apparent that social isolation was 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 by seven blokes in September 2012. We now have about 110 members (Jan 20, 2020) - still growing - and meet at the Quality Hotel\Lone Star Tavern every second Tuesday, sometimes with guest speakers.
Apart from those gatherings members do walking, fishing, cycling, golfing, cards, barefoot bowls, darts, pool, movies, snooker, have regular barbecues\coffee\lunches etc
Check the Bloke’s Lounge for more details.
I helped, in a minor but important way, kick start the Labrador Men's Shed, which is a great success, thanks to the ongoing efforts of the committees and the keen support of City of Gold Coast.
However, as the shed developed it became apparent that social isolation was 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 by seven blokes in September 2012. We now have about 110 members (Jan 20, 2020) - still growing - and meet at the Quality Hotel\Lone Star Tavern every second Tuesday, sometimes with guest speakers.
Apart from those gatherings members do walking, fishing, cycling, golfing, cards, barefoot bowls, darts, pool, movies, snooker, have regular barbecues\coffee\lunches etc
Check the Bloke’s Lounge for more details.
