about us

The It’s A Bloke Thing Foundation is a leading initiative dedicated to raising awareness, funding vital research, and improving care for men affected by prostate cancer across Australia. We’re committed to driving real change and saving lives.

How it started

The idea for the It’s a Bloke Thing Prostate Cancer Luncheon began over a glass of wine and a frank conversation between friends. In 2010, two mates discovered they shared an unexpected and deeply personal connection having both recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer. What struck them most wasn’t just the diagnosis, but the silence that had preceded it. Why hadn’t men’s health, particularly prostate health, ever been a topic of conversation in their circles?

That night, they made a commitment: to change the narrative and make it easier for men to talk about their health. From that simple conversation, the concept of a fundraising luncheon was born. A social event with a serious purpose, where awareness could be raised, stories could be shared, and lives could be changed.

The inaugural It’s a Bloke Thing Prostate Cancer Luncheon was held in Toowoomba in 2011. Since then, it has grown into one of Australia’s largest daytime fundraising events, proudly supporting men’s health research and initiatives, including the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

Now known as the Wagners It’s a Bloke Thing Luncheon, the event has raised more than $21 million to date. Beyond the remarkable fundraising success, the true impact lies in its mission, to break down barriers and encourage open conversations about men’s health between mates, families, and communities. Because awareness saves lives.

A MESSAGE FROM OUR CHAIRS

For years we've talked about taking prostate cancer testing directly to regional Australia. This year, thanks to your support and our partnership with Heart of Australia and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, that vision became reality. Our Australian-first Mobile PSA Testing Program is now on the road, bringing simple blood tests to communities where access to healthcare has too often been determined by postcode.

Since launching in March, we've visited 13 towns, tested 541 men and referred 54 for further investigation. But the numbers only tell part of the story.

We've met men with a strong family history who'd been told they didn't need testing. We've met families travelling hundreds of kilometres for specialist care. We've met blokes who thought debilitating symptoms were simply part of getting older, and others whose cancer was found too late, facing treatments that profoundly affect their quality of life in their strength, energy, intimacy and sense of identity.

Those conversations have strengthened our resolve.

Our mission over the next two years is simple: keep this service on the road, prove it works, and build an undeniable case for permanent State and Federal Government funding. Community generosity should spark innovation — not carry it forever.

By demonstrating that earlier diagnosis means better outcomes and lower long-term healthcare costs, we believe this Australian-first program can become a permanent part of our healthcare system, just as mobile breast screening has.

Every dollar raised today helps save lives now while building the evidence to change lives for generations to come. Together, let's make this more than a successful pilot.

Let's make it the moment Australia changed the way it delivers prostate cancer care.

Jack and Emma Wagner

Chairpersons