I was fortunate to have been able to attend a farewell to a lovely former workmate of mine yesterday, amidst a large gathering of widespread family, Daves’ Melbourne friends from his youth, more recent Bribie Island friends, plenty of workmates from all over ❤️

Stars will be sorely missed by everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him xxx It was always a pleasure to be in his company.

Heartwarming to hear how much his family loved and appreciated him.

Gone too soon (prostate cancer) - RIP old mate, condolences to Carol and all his family & friends

ASK R U OK? ANY DAY
Ask R U OK? Any Day because life happens every day.  

Thursday 11 September is R U OK?Day but we know that whether it is a friend, family member, partner, or colleague , the people around us go through life’s ups and downs every day. That is why we want everyone to feel confident to check in with the people they care about and Ask R U OK? Any Day.
 
Our research found that those who are regularly asked, ‘are you OK?’ report increased feelings of wellbeing, and we have learned that a third of Australians say they have been asking others more often over the past year . That means many of us are already showing up for others in meaningful ways, but when it comes to conversations about how we’re really going, some people are less confident than others. 
 
It is natural to feel a little hesitant, but the good news is nine in ten Australians report feeling grateful, supported and cared for when someone genuinely asks them if they are OK - and that is a good reason to give it a go. You might even be having these conversations already without realising.
 
If you need tips to build your confidence, we’ are here to help with plenty of free resources to help you feel more confident to check in with someone you care about. You have got this, and we have got your back. 

Ask R U OK? Any  Day of the year because a conversation could change a life.# - https://mobro.co/sanjeevbandi

Asking the question, 'are you OK?' can make a real impact in the workplace. As employers or staff, we can all create a culture where people feel confident asking and answering this simple yet important question. Besides our legal responsibility of providing a safe and healthy workplace, these conversations can make a real difference to staff going through a tough time.

LOST FOR WORDS?
Movember Conversations
Movember Conversations gives you practical guidance on how to support the men in your life who might be struggling.

MEN'S MENTAL HEALTH
Life can throw us curveballs. Yet even when things seem tough, there is a lot we can do to look after ourselves and others. That is why we provide reliable, expert information to help men cope and live happier, healthier, longer lives –no matter what life throws at us.

REACH OUT WITH
ALEC
Four simple steps – use ALEC to help you navigate a conversation with a friend who might be doing it tough.

Our new tool ‘Movember Conversations’ gives you the confidence to have conversations with the men in your life who might be struggling.
Huge thanks to R U OK? for developing the ALEC model.

Ask
Start by asking how he’s feeling. It’s worth mentioning any changes you’ve picked up on. Maybe he’s spending more time at the bar, has gone quiet in the group chat, or isn’t turning up to social events. Whatever it is, he’s just not himself.

Use a prompt like, 
"You haven’t seemed yourself lately – are you feeling OK?"


Trust your instinct. Remember, people often say "I'm fine" when they’re not, so don't be afraid to ask twice.
You can use something specific you’ve noticed, like, 
"It’s just that you haven’t been replying to my texts, and that’s not like you."- https://mobro.co/sanjeevbandi

BE A MAN OF MORE WORDS
Stronger social connections can reduce the risk of suicide. That means more men talking about stuff that really matters. Those conversations don’t always come easy, but we’re here to help.

GO BEYOND
BANTER
Being a man of more words isn’t about dialling up the banter. It’s about carving out space for meaningful chats about the bigger stuff in life. From talking about the kids, the bills, a new job or a setback – the right conversation can make all the difference to a mate who might be struggling.
If we all dig a little deeper, we can help prevent more men from reaching a crisis point.

I AM WALKING 9 KM TOMORROW 10 9 25 FOR WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY

Thanks to the generosity of 160 donors on 9th September 2025, I am the first individual in Australia and 2nd worldwide to raise over $20,000 AUD this year having raised $20,770 in my 18th Movember campaign to be Australia’s Highest Individual Fund Raiser again currently and 2nd worldwide and with their generosity over the last 18 campaigns raised an incredible $ 725,158 since 2008 individually-https:/mobro.co/sanjeevbandi

As a Team - MOV~ing Mackay Cricket Club has raised $ 20,770 this year in 2025 in our 15th campaign as a Team from Mackay in North Queensland and am amazing $ 988,697.16 since we started as a Team in 2011. We are hoping to be the first Team in this country to break the 1 million mark this year-https://moteam.co/mov-ing-mackay-cricket-club

Since 1 st July 2025, I have walked 346 kms till date well above my pledge of 60 kms every month during this 18th campaign in memory of the 60 men world wide we loose to suicide every hour of every day.

SIX NEW MOVEMBER GRANTS TO IMPROVE PROSTATE CANCER CARE FOR ALL MEN

In Australia:

AUD $398,311 awarded to WEHI

New leaps in prostate cancer care are improving survival rates and quality of life. But as treatments advance, they become more complex. It means men from non-English speaking countries, cultures and backgrounds may not experience these benefits fully.

WEHI’s PROCAP Initiative is out to change this. It will use the power of big data to identify disparities in prostate cancer care between culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) and non-CALD groups. So better informed healthcare strategies can be created to deliver all patients the best possible care, no matter their background.

AUD $300,000 awarded to the University of Tasmania, Menzies Institute for Medical Research

Patient feedback is becoming a critical part of prostate cancer care. It unlocks insights leading to better treatment outcomes. However, most of this patient feedback has been collected in metropolitan areas, leaving gaps in care for men living in regional and rural Australia, where outcomes are typically worse.

To bridge this gap, the grant will help develop tailored strategies for making the collection of PROMs a part of routine care in Tasmania, a state made up entirely of regional areas. And, once refined, the strategy will be deployed in Geelong, Victoria. The result will be a major step forward towards personalised prostate cancer care for men across Australia, no matter where they live.

Up to 85% of prostate cancer patients will have at least one symptom missed by their clinician¹. That leaves far too many men left to self-manage parts of their care.

Today, Movember starts to change this. With an investment of AUD $2.83M over three years in six grants across Australia, Canada and the UK.

Funding will go towards better implementing patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) into clinical care; which will equip treatment teams in care delivery specific to every individual patient’s needs, preferences and experiences.

PROMs & PREMs: What are they?

In simple terms, PROMs are questionnaires individual patients fill in to help clinicians understand the effects of treatment on their health, and what is important to them. That includes looking at side effects like changes in urinary, bowel and sexual health, pain and fatigue, sleep, and anxiety and depression. It’s a simple tool that helps us better understand prostate cancer treatment as a whole – and how it can be adapted to better suit people from different walks of life.

PREMs are also questionnaires. The main difference is they ask about a patient’s experience with the quality of care during treatment. Analysing PROMs and PREMs together unlocks valuable insights into a patient’s physical and emotional wellbeing as well as how they feel and experience life after treatment.

Ok, got it. So what will each grant fund?

A Father Means....

A Father means so many things...
An understanding heart,
A source of strength and support
Right from the very start.
A constant readiness to help
In a kind and thoughtful way.
With encouragement and forgiveness
No matter what came MY way.
A special generosity and always affection, too
A Father meant so many things
When HE was a man like my FATHER.

HAPPY 9th FATHER’S DAY IN HEAVEN DAD .

Rest In Peace.

Your loving son

SANJEEV

The Movember Foundation raises awareness of Men’s Health issues to help men, fathers, brothers and sisters to cope with Prostate Cancer, Testicular Cancer, Mental Illness and Suicide. Today being Father’s Day is a great opportunity to help the cause- https://mobro.co/sanjeevbandi

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, an initiative to raise awareness and encourage early diagnosis of the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian men. The campaign, led by the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, involves events like The Long Run, where people can walk, run, or ride 72km to fundraise. Individuals are encouraged to talk to a doctor about testing for prostate cancer, especially those with a family history or who are over 50.
What is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month?
It is a dedicated month to increase public understanding of prostate cancer, its risks, symptoms, and the importance of early detection.
It aims to encourage men to take charge of their health by discussing testing with their doctor.
Why is it important?
Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in Australian men, affecting about one in seven men by the age of 75.
Early diagnosis significantly improves outcomes and survival rates, but only a small percentage of cases are found at stage 1.
How can you get involved?
Talk to your doctor:
Men over 50 or over 40 with a family history of prostate cancer should discuss testing with a healthcare professional.
Participate in The Long Run:
Support Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) by joining their annual campaign to run, walk, or ride 72km to raise funds and awareness for the 72 men diagnosed with prostate cancer each day.
Light up blue:
Support landmarks by encouraging them to light up in blue to raise awareness.
Who is at risk?
Age: The risk increases with age, particularly for men between 60 and 79.
Family history: A family history of prostate cancer increases your risk.
Family history of hormonal cancer: Men with a family history of any hormonal cancer should begin screening earlier.

On the 1st day of September 2025, thanks to 133 generous donors, I have been able to raise $ 18,015 already this year in my 18th Movember campaign to be Australia’s Highest Individual Fund Raiser again currently and 4th worldwide and with their generosity over the last 18 campaigns raised an incredible $ 722,403 since 2008 individually.

As a Team - MOV~ing Mackay Cricket Club has raised $ 18,015 this year in 2025 in our 15th campaign as a Team from Mackay in North Queensland and am amazing $ 985,942.16 since we started as a Team in 2011. We are hoping to be the first Team in this country to break the 1 million mark this year.

Since 1 st July 2025 I have walked 296 kms till date well above my pledge of 60 kms every month during this 18th campaign in memory of the 60 men world wide we loose to suicide every hour of every day.

The MO AWARDS NIGHT was held in Melbourne on Thursday the 28th of August but the legendary generosity of hanks to 130 generous donors in 2025, in Mackay lives on. I have been able to raise $ 17,715 already this year in 2025 in my 18th Movember campaign to be Australia’s Highest Individual Fund Raiser again currently and 4th worldwide and with their generosity over the last 18 campaigns raised an incredible $ 722,103 since 2008 individually.

As a Team - MOV~ing Mackay Cricket Club has raised $ 17,715 this year in 2025 in our 15th campaign as a Team from Mackay in North Queensland and am amazing $ 985,642.16 since we started as a Team in 2011. We are hoping to be the first Team in this country to break the 1 million mark this year.

Since 1 st July 2025 I have walked 280 kms till date well above my pledge of 60 kms every month during this 18th campaign in memory of the 60 men world wide we loose to suicide every hour of every

Thanks to 127 generous donors in 2025, I have been able to raise $ 17,515 this year in 2025 in my 18th Movember campaign to be Australia’s Highest Individual Fund Raiser currently and 4th worldwide and raised an incredible $ 721,903 since 2008 individually.

As a Team - MOV~ing Mackay Cricket Club has raised $ 17,515 this year in 2025 in our 15th campaign as a Team from Mackay in North Queensland and am amazing $ 985,442.16 since we started as a Team in 2011. We are hoping to be the first Team in this country to break the 1 million mark this year.

Since 1 st July 2025 I have walked 280 kms till date well above my pledge of 60 kms every month during this 18th campaign in memory of the 60 men world wide we loose to suicide every hour of every day.

Congratulations to Australia for their comprehensive win in the 3rd ODI at Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay by 276 runs and South Africa on winning the series 2-1 .

MOV~ing Mackay Cricket Club was one of the founding members of the Movember Cricket Association (https://movember.com/n/mca?mc=1) in 2011 and we have been the highest fund raising Team in the Country for the last 14 years . In 2024 we raised $81,588.02 from Mackay out of a total of $229,199 raised by the Association to top the fundraising.

As a Team- MOV~ing Mackay Cricket Club we have raised $16,005 in 2025 in our 15th campaign since 2011 and an incredible $883,932,16 as a Team from Mackay in North Qld and hope to be the first Tram in Australia to raise over the million dollars for Movember and Men’s Health.

Since 1st July 2025, I have walked 262 kms which is well above the pledge of 60 kms every month during my 18th campaign in memory of the 60 men worldwide we loose to suicide every hour of every day.

The 2nd one dayer between South Africa and Australia is on at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay today and looks like a high scoring game with South Africa 8/245 in the 43rd over.

Thanks to 103 generous donors in 2025, I have been able to raise $ 16,005 this year in 2025 in my 18th Movember campaign to be Australia’s Highest Individual Fund Raiser currently and 10th worldwide and an incredible $ 720,393 since 2008 individually.

As a Team - MOV~ing Mackay Cricket Club has raised $ 16,005 raised this year in our 15th campaign as a Team from Mackay in North Queensland and am amazing $ 983,932.16 since we started as a Team in 2011. We are hoping to be the first Team in this country to break the 1 million mark this year.

Since 1st July 2025 I have walked 250kms till date well above my pledge of 60 kms every month during this 18th campaign in memory of the 60 men world wide we loose to suicide every hour of every day.

MOV~ing Mackay Cricket Club and our team mates at Sainty Sandflies in St Lawrence host Chat, Bat and Bowl for Men’s Health on Sat 20th September in St Lawrence with Special Guest Michael Kasperowicz to raise awareness of Men’s Health. IT IS ALL FOR A GOOD CAUSE

Thanks to 97 generous donors in 2025, I have been able to raise $ 14,685 this year in 2025 in my 18th Movember campaign and an incredible $ 719,073 since 2008 individually.

As a Team - MOV~ing Mackay Cricket Club has raised $ 14,685 raised this year in our 15th campaign as a Team from Mackay in North Queensland and am amazing $ 982,612.16 since we started as a Team in 2011. We are hoping to be the first Team in this country to break the 1 million mark this year.

Since 1st July 2025 I have walked 245 kms till date well above my pledge of 60 kms every month during this 18th campaign in memory of the 60 men world wide we loose to suicide every hour of every day.

The generous donations of 83 donors in 2025 and those that contributed to the 17 previous campaigns from 2008-2024 have helped me raise $ 717,718 individually since 2008 with $ 13,330 raised this year in 2025 in my 18th Movember campaign

The Team, I Captain proudly - MOV~ing Mackay Cricket Club has raised $ 981,257 since 2011 including the $ 13,330 raised this year in our 15th campaign as a Team from Mackay in North Queensland