AUSTRALIA’s leading mental fitness not-for-profit foundation, Gotcha4Life, is this week launching the Mateship Miles, a week-long roadshow to kick-start conversations about the importance of building mental fitness, meaningful mateship and social and emotional connection, and good health in communities.
To help spread the word, they have teamed up with Channel 9’s Today Show from Monday 18 April to Friday 22 April.
Following years of turmoil that has seen fires, floods and COVID-19 leave much of Australia on its knees, there has never been a more vital time to explore the importance of mental fitness.
During the Mateship Miles, Karl Stefanovic and Gus Worland will travel from Victoria to New South Wales via Shepparton, Wagga Wagga, Canberra, Nowra and Wollongong to meet local communities, while Karl also hosts the popular breakfast show from the road.
Locals are encouraged to join Gus, the Today Show crew, and special guests for a free breakfast barbecue kicking off in each town from 8am.
During this time, Gus will share key insights into Gotcha4Life and support available in the community through its mental fitness programs, as well as tips to start conversations with loved ones.
Gotcha4Life is a not-for-profit foundation with a goal of zero suicides, taking action by delivering mental fitness programs that engage, educate, and empower local communities.
Over the past five years, more than 175,000 programs were delivered to Australians nationally.
Gotcha4Life founder Gus Worland says the Mateship Miles has been in the works for years, with long-term friend Karl showing support for the not-for-profit which focuses on early intervention and the power of prevention through connection because we are all stronger, together.
“Since the launch of Gotcha4Life in 2017, I’ve found a lot can be solved during a chat with a mate. We aim to create a society where everyone has what we call a ‘Gotcha4Life Mate’ – a go-to person to rely on and talk to about anything when times are tough, so no one has to worry alone,” Mr Worland said.
“With the Mateship Miles roadshow about to launch, I couldn’t be more excited to meet the locals and shed some light on what we can do and how we can support anyone who may be doing it tough. Everyone is welcome to come down for a chat and a sausage sizzle!
“Karl and I go back years and he’s always given his time and support for the work involved in achieving our long-term goal of zero suicides, period.
“Embracing mateship is so important to me and a key factor in changing the narrative around mental health and wellbeing, so it makes complete sense to take on the Mateship Miles with Karl. We’re so thankful he’s joining us on this adventure,” Mr Worland added.
Karl Stefanovic said: “Hitting the road and seeing our wonderful country is just the best.
“Hosting the Today Show while hanging out with the locals is always top of my list.
“That, and taking part in the Mateship Miles with my mate Gus means I can play a small part for an incredibly important cause,” Mr Stefanovic said.
A fully decked Isuzu truck donated by Isuzu Australia Limited, featuring a custom body built by Service Bodies Australia with TV, soundbar, fridge, coffee machine, and barbecue will support the launch of the Mateship Miles, and be raffled off to one lucky winner this year with all proceeds going to support Gotcha4Life programs.
IAL Director and Chief Operating Officer, Andrew Harbison explained the motivation behind Isuzu Trucks’ involvement with the foundation.
“Isuzu Trucks have a line of communication to a large proportion of the road transport industry across the country, and with the expertise of Gotcha4Life we can leverage this to help spread the message of building mental fitness and getting people to open up about the things that worry them,” Mr Harbison said.
“It’s a message we are passionate about promoting within our own ranks and will be taking full advantage of the resources provided by our partnership with Gotcha4Life this year.
“We want the wonderful, energetic people behind Isuzu at every level to know their health and wellbeing is a top priority for us,” Mr Harbison added.
Members of the public can visit www.gotcha4life.org to find out more about the not-for-profit foundation, the mental fitness programs they deliver across Australia, or mateshipmiles.com.au to donate to the campaign.
Anyone keen to get involved and donate to the Mateship Miles are encouraged to visit www.mateshipmiles.com.au.
All funds donated by the public support Gotcha4Life to take action and deliver presentations, workshops, and sustainable training programs for communities nationally to end suicide.
