21/10/2026
Dear Right Mate,
You were born in 2019 out of some dark times and a coffee between two blokes who, until then, were strangers.
I couldn’t have imagined what would grow from that first conversation.
Over the years, I’ve watched you stumble, pivot, regroup and find your feet. Along the way, you’ve built a phenomenal community of men, supported sporting clubs and community groups, and earned the backing of businesses across Geelong.
Through it all, you’ve stayed true to who you are.
You don’t pretend to have all the answers or act like you own this space. You listen, encourage, connect people with others who can help, and work alongside the community. That’s always been your strength.
Now it’s time for me to step aside and make room for your next chapter. There’s emotion in writing that, but there’s also comfort in knowing you’re in fantastic hands with Luke and the team.
To everyone who’s been part of this journey, thank you. For the conversations, the laughs, the honesty and the trust. Being welcomed into your world, especially in the harder moments, has been an honour I’ll never take lightly.
For me, it’s time to make a little space for myself. To pause, take a breath and then continue advocating for mental health in another space that could do with a nudge.
I’m proud of what we’ve built and grateful I got to be part of it.
I can’t wait to see where you go from here. I’ll be cheering loudly from the sidelines.
See you round, legends.
Cheers,
Chris
