As part of International Men’s Health Week, Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta today hosted a Barefoot Bowls event at Club Manly in Manly West, with over 30 locals attending.

Free health checks were provided to all attendees by a local health specialist from Wynnum Chempro Chemist. Raffle prizes, including a gift pack from Manly Village Compounding Pharmacy and a meat tray from The Local Butcher at Manly Village, were up for grabs, with all proceeds going toward Mates4Mates. Gold coin donations on entry also went to Mates4Mates.

Mr Vasta thanked attendees for their support of a great cause.

“International Men’s Health Week is an important week where men of all ages come together from all works of life and chat about their health,” Mr Vasta said.

“Mates4Mates is a fantastic organisation that provides support to wounded, injured and ill current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families and I’m proud to support them.”

Special guests Queensland Bulls players Mitchell Swepson and Cameron Gannon thanked Mr Vasta for inviting them.

“It’s great to have an event like this where we’re recognising men’s health. In our team we all stick together and I like to make sure we’re all doing okay. It’s a really important issue and something that we need to look at more,” Mr Swepson said.

Chairman of Club Manly Ian Reed said it was great to see the attendees enjoying themselves.

“I’d like to thank Ross for promoting men’s health. It’s a great initiative and a great way to introduce people to the game of bowls, which is extremely good for men’s health in their later years and gives them a social outlet,” Mr Reed said.

Wynnum local Fred Petersen said it had been a good day for all involved.

“There were a good number of men here today and some good games,” Mr Petersen said.