IT all started with a beer.
Back in 2012, Mark Winter and his mate Paul Kirwan were sitting in a Springfield pub talking about something heavy – a local man who had taken his own life.
Between sips, a spark of purpose struck: why wasn’t there anything in the area bringing men together, talking about real issues, and raising awareness for men’s health?
“So we decided to do something about it,” Mr Winter said.
“We thought, let’s align with Movember – they cover men’s mental health, suicide prevention, prostate and testicular cancer. It made perfect sense.”
And just like that, the Springfield Mo-Men were born – equal parts moustache, mateship, and mission.
Fast forward to today, and the Mo-Men crew has grown to a solid four-man team steering the ship – Paul Kirwan, Mark Winter, Matt Eggins (who joined in 2019), and newcomer Steve Riddell.
Movember is famous for its moustaches – but for the Mo-Men, the fuzz is just the conversation starter.
“This month is about creating space to let a mate know you care,” Mr Winter said.
That message doesn’t stop when the calendar flips to December either, with the group running walks, catch-ups, and community events all year round, making mental health a conversation that never goes out of season.
The Mo-Men’s calendar for Movember is jam-packed – think charity events, community challenges, and plenty of fun ways to get involved.
“The best way to find out what’s happening is to check out our socials,” Mr Winter said. “There’s a lot going on this month!
“Every year we put on the infamous jackets and without any strategy – just pure chaos and awareness! It’s all part of the fun.”
When it comes to backing the cause, local businesses have truly put their money (and moustaches) where their mouths are.
“Morgan’s Financial, McDonald’s Springfield, Domino’s Orion, Springfield Jewellers, McGrath, Big Pappas Pizza Camira, City Cave, IGA – the list goes on!” Mr Winter said.
The stats are sobering – one man takes his own life every minute worldwide, and here in Australia, seven men a day.
“Too many men still die from preventable diseases because they don’t get regular check-ups,” Mr Winter said. “The stigma has to stop – and it is, thanks to movements like Movember.”
For Mr Winter, change starts in the simplest places: pubs, workplaces, barbecues.
“Just be real. Be vulnerable. You never know what your mate’s carrying. A small chat can save a life,” he said.
Ask him what being a Mo-Man means to him, and the answer is simple – and powerful.
“Real connections, lasting friendships, and a legacy of changing the face of men’s health – one man at a time.”
Head to Mo Men of Sprinfield Facebook Page to see the jam-packed calendar of events coming up.
