There was plenty of food, drink and laughs – and all for a good cause.

The main hall of the Sale Memorial Hall was packed on Friday for Wellington’s Biggest Ever Blokes Barbecue.

Steve Churches shares his prostate cancer journey.

The annual event raises money for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, and the importance of raising money for research and awareness of the disease was highlighted when a tribute was given for former Gippsland Times general manager Bruce Ellen.

Four blokes from Sale – Mark, Matt, Dylan and Anthony.

Mr Ellen, who was a member of the inaugural committee, died in March three years after being diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Former event committee chairman Leo O’Brien said Mr Ellen came up with the idea of starting the event in Wellington.

Ian Bye, chairman of the Wellington’s Biggest Ever Blokes Barbecue and outgoing mayor of Wellington Shire, welcomes the audience.

“In March 2014, over 10 years ago, Bruce approached David Dyer, one of the inaugural committee members, inquiring about the possibility of commencing a Big Blokes Barbecue in Sale,” Mr O’Brien said.

Mr O’Brien said the first meeting of the Wellington’s Biggest Ever Blokes Barbecue committee took place in June 2014, and led to the first event at the Sale Memorial Hall on August 21, 2015.

Leo O’Brien pays tribute to former Gippsland Times general manager, the late Bruce Ellen.

“So next year we celebrate 10 years of this event,” he said.

“Bruce will be well-remembered for his contribution to our local communities and the regional newspaper industry, and much has been said about that. But today I want to focus on his significant and magnificent contribution to prostate cancer awareness and research. And in particular his involvement with this event, the Wellington’s Biggest Ever Blokes Barbecue.”

Member for Gippsland South Danny O’Brien (left) and Peter Horan.
Photos: Stefan Bradley (unless specified)

The event has raised more than $650,000, with some of that going towards the oncology unit at Sale Hospital and employing a prostate cancer awareness nurse dedicated to Wellington Shire.

David Rhys-Jones (left) having a laugh with Marty Fields.

Mr O’Brien encouraged all men to get their prostate checked.

“Just do it, it’s not that difficult,” he said.

Champion cricket Jeff Thompson entertains the crowd. Photo: David Braithwaite

It was a message echoed by Steve Churches, who shared his prostate cancer journey.

“If you leave (getting checked) too long, you won’t be in a position to do anything about it at all,” he said.

“You need to test this stuff early, and something can be done about it.

“As soon as you guys turn 40 or thereabouts, you need to get on to a wellness program with your GP. You must have the blood tests done.”

On a much lighter note, the large crowd was entertained by comedian Marty Fields, footy champion David Rhys-Jones and cricket legend Jeff Thompson.

The audience was also well-fed and hydrated, thanks to the support of local hospitality businesses.

In addition to ticket sales, money was also raised on the day through raffles and auctions.

The Gippsland Times is proud to be a patron sponsor of Wellington’s Biggest Ever Blokes Barbecue.