THE ORIGIN OF BAW BAW BIG BLOKES
The inaugural Baw Baw’s Biggest Ever Blokes BBQ was held in 2012, inspired by West Gippsland locals who had attended similar events in Shepparton and Bairnsdale. The original concept was the brainchild of Chris McPherson AM from Shepparton, who, after being diagnosed with prostate cancer, launched the first Blokes BBQ in 2009.
Driven by his passion and extensive community network, Chris helped ignite a movement across rural Victoria, Tasmania, and southern New South Wales. His legacy led to the creation of dozens of regional events and raised close to $3 million for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) by the time of his passing. For his outstanding contribution, Chris was honoured with a PCFA Award.
A FIRST FOR ANY BLOKES BBQ COMMITTEE — A FULLY ACCREDITED CHARITY WITH DGR STATUS.
In Baw Baw, the vision was taken up by a group of eight founding committee members, led by former President Michael Grogan. Rather than adopting traditional fundraising models, the group established Baw Baw Big Blokes Inc. as a fully accredited charity and secured Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status with the Australian Taxation Office — a first for any Blokes BBQ committee.
From the outset, the mission was clear: to raise vital funds while keeping a strong focus on the local community. Proceeds are distributed both nationally to support the PCFA and locally through programs that promote early detection, improve access to care, and support men’s health initiatives across West Gippsland.
Through this unique blend of local impact and national contribution, the Baw Baw Big Blokes BBQ continues to honour Chris McPherson’s legacy. It drives awareness, encourages early testing, and helps reduce the number of lives lost to prostate cancer.
OUR JOURNEY
2009
The first Blokes BBQ
Chris McPherson AM launches the original Blokes BBQ in Shepparton after his own prostate cancer diagnosis.
2012
Baw Baw joins the movement
West Gippsland locals host the inaugural Baw Baw’s Biggest Ever Blokes BBQ, led by eight founding committee members.
2013
A first for any Blokes BBQ
Baw Baw Big Blokes Inc. becomes a fully accredited charity with Deductible Gift Recipient status from the ATO.
2025
Partnering with Mindfull Aus
A new partnership extends the mission to mental health, reaching over 5,000 people across the community.
2026
Back at Lardner Park
The event returns on 16 October, with more than $2.21+ million raised across 12 years of fundraising.
THE IMPACT SO FAR
Since 2012, the Baw Baw Big Blokes BBQ has raised more than $2.21M+ for men’s health — funding the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia nationally while keeping a strong focus on programs right across West Gippsland.
$2.21M+
RAISED
$870K
DONATED TO THE PCFA
8,800+
STUDENTS FIRST AID TRAINED
13+
YEARS OF FUNDRAISING
SEE OUR FULL IMPACT
2025 PARTNERSHIP
We’re incredibly proud to announce Baw Baw Big Blokes have partnered with Mindfull Aus for 2025 and beyond. Through our support, Mindfull Aus will reach over 5,000 people within the Baw Baw community, raising awareness and support around the importance of mental health.
See Full Impact
SPONSORS
BACKED BY OUR COMMUNITY
None of this happens without the local businesses who put their names behind the cause every single year.
