3 Days to Movember 2025

Three days to grow the stubble strong,
The season of MO’s will not wait too long.
The razors rest, the talk begins,
Of courage, care, and cheeky chins.
From boardrooms bright to backyard breaks,
The call for men’s health proudly wakes.
Each whisker grown, a badge profound,
Of battles fought and strength unbound.
Three days till brothers far and near,
Unite in cause, in voice, in cheer.
For Movember’s more than just a style —
It saves a life, it makes hope smile.
So wax those dreams and prime that grace,
Three days till MO- TIME takes its place.
Stand tall, speak up, let kindness flow,
For every MO, a hero’s glow.

DR SANJEEV BANDI
Digital Champion and Mentor - CoderDojo - Mackay@SplitSpaces
CAPTAIN, MOV~ing Mackay Cricket Club* Movember Ambassador* 1 of 2 Diamond Members of Movember Hall of Fame in Australia - https://mobro.co/sanjeevbandi

As a Team, MOV~ing Mackay Cricket Club has raised $ 32,805 this year in 2025 in our 15th campaign as a Team from Mackay in North Queensland and an amazing op $ 1,000,282.16 since we started as a Team in 2011 becoming the first Team in the mainland with 10 erstwhile members to break the 1 million mark this year- https://moteam.co/mov-ing-mackay-cricket-club

My blogs on A-Z of Men’s Health for 2024 and 2025 campaigns are available at

https://mackayurology.com/movember-articles/

Since 1 st July 2025, I have walked
579.6 kms till date. The members of the MOV~ing Mackay Cricket Club have walked 665.6 kms from 1st July 2025 to 17th October 2025

Here is my poetic tribute for being recognised as 1 of 2 Diamond Members of the Movember Hall of Fame at the recent MO AWARDS 2025 event.

Movember Hall of Fame — Diamond Tier
In the mirror glints a noble aim,
A sparkle born of more than fame—
For under moustache, truth and care,
Shine hearts that dare, and men who share.
They wear their growth not just for style,
But for brothers walking the longer mile.
Each whisker whispers, “You’re not alone,”
A Diamond pledge, compassion grown.
From stubble starts to glistening crown,
They lift the silent spirits down.
Their courage trims the edge of fear,
A light that burns through every year.
So raise your glass to those who strive,
To keep the Movember flame alive.
For in this Hall, the bravest gleam—
Diamond souls, the men who dream.

DR SANJEEV BANDI
CAPTAIN, MOV~ing Mackay Cricket Club
Australia’s HIGHEST INDIVIDUAL FUNDRAISER

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Drive is a global on-road motoring event that celebrates classic cars built 40 years or older. It encourages vintage car owners and enthusiasts to dress in stylish, dapper attire and drive their classic vehicles to raise funds and awareness for men’s health issues, specifically prostate cancer and men’s mental health. The event supports the Movember Foundation, with funds raised invested in vital research and programs for these causes.

The Drive features pre-1985 cars (with some replica and run-on model exceptions) and celebrates the elegance and style of classic vehicles alongside the refined dress of participants. It is family-friendly and free to participate, organized by volunteers worldwide on a set date—in 2025, it is today Sunday, the 28th of September.

Woke up early and got my 1976 RX 5 ready for the drive to watch the sunrise at picturesque Cape Hillsborough at 5:48 am and feed the wallabies on the Beach and then take a long drive to the Lambert’s Beach lookout.

The Distinguished Gentleman's Drive is a celebration of classic style. The 2025 event takes place on Sunday, September 28th. It is an on-road motoring fundraising event, uniting classic cars built 40 years or older, encouraging drivers and passengers around the world to dress dapper and drive for men's health. All funds raised are invested in vital research and programs for prostate cancer and men's mental health by Movember.

Thanks to the generosity of 214 generous donors till date on the 23rd of September 2025, I have raised $ 25,700 in my 18th Movember campaign to be Australia’s Highest Individual Fund Raiser again currently and 3rd worldwide and with their generosity over the last 18 campaigns raised an incredible $ 730,088 since 2008 individually-https:/mobro.co/sanjeevbandi

As a Team - MOV~ing Mackay Cricket Club has raised $ 25,995 this year in 2025 in our 15th campaign as a Team from Mackay in North Queensland and an amazing $ 993,892.16 since we started as a Team in 2011. We are hoping to be the first Team in the mainland with a maximum of 11-15 erstwhile members in all our campaigns to date to break the 1 million mark this year-https://moteam.co/mov-ing-mackay-cricket-club

Since 1 st July 2025, I have walked
425 kms till date including the 9 kms to remember the 9 young men we loose to suicide every day in Australia on 10 September 2025 as part of my contribution to the Out of the Shadows Walk and 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 Chat, Bat and Bowl Day at St Lawrence yesterday was a great success. I am pleased to state proudly that MACKERS- The Team I Captained won the round robin competition between 3 Teams winning the 1st Game by 11 runs and 2nd game by 85 runs in a 10 over Competition by scoring 69 in our allotted 10 overs in the first game and an amazing 109 in the 2nd game against opposition that scored 58 and 24 respectively. MACKERS , the Team I Captain have now won the trophy 2years in a row and have not lost a game in 2 years at St Lawrence. Men’s Health and well being was the ultimate winner with many conversations had on and off the field on issues that affect our men and their health and well being every day

Thanks to the generosity of 199 donors on 17th September 2025, I have raised $ 24,755 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 $ 729,143 since 2008 individually-https:/mobro.co/sanjeevbandi

As a Team - MOV~ing Mackay Cricket Club has raised $ 24,755 this year in 2025 in our 15th campaign as a Team from Mackay in North Queensland and an amazing $ 992,682.16 since we started as a Team in 2011. We are hoping to be the first Team in the mainland with a maximum of 11-15 erstwhile members in all our campaigns to date to break the 1 million mark this year-https://moteam.co/mov-ing-mackay-cricket-club

Since 1 st July 2025, I have walked 396 kms till date including the 9 kms today to remember the 9 young men we loose to suicide every day in Australia on 10 September 2025 as part of my contribution to the Out of the Shadows Walk and 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

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.