This year’s event will feature speeches from former homicide detective Ron Iddles and The Age crime reporter John Silvester.
Ron Iddles will speak about his time as a homicide investigator, as well as mental health and suicide in men.
Head crime reporter at The Age and widely known as “Sly of the Underworld” on 3AW, John Silvester was the co-author of several bestselling books with Andrew Rule that formed the basis of Australian TV series Underbelly and will speak about topical criminal events and the underworld.
Longest Lunch committee member Nick Curnow said the idea behind the lunch was to make new friends and catch up with old ones while also raising awareness for men’s health issues and donating to a good cause.
He said after the success of recent longest lunch events, a group of dedicated Kyabram blokes were keen to do it all over again.
‘‘I think men’s health is topical at the moment and it’s always important to keep blokes thinking about their health,’’ he said.
“I have close friends who are still around because they got a health check and found something wasn’t right.
“This is a great way to listen to some entertaining speakers, meet some new people and support a worthy cause.”
Mr Curnow said while there was often plenty of information and discussion about men’s health, it was important to keep reminding men they had to look after themselves and take action.
‘‘The thing that really sticks in my mind is that guys are not as energetic and proactive about their health as women,’’ he said. ‘‘We want to help change that and avoid the problem of blokes sticking their head in the sand.’’
Mr Curnow said the proceeds from the lunch would go directly back into men’s health initiatives within the region, with guidance from Kyabram District Health Service.
‘‘If it makes one guy get a check then it has been a success, because that is what it is all about,’’ he said.
The Longest Lunch is on from noon to 4pm at the Kyabram Club on March 1.