JOINING THE FIGHT AGAINST MENTAL HEALTH

THE 2024 KEALS CUP

The Keals Cup – Battle of the Trades returned in 2024, and this year was bigger than ever. With 250 people in attendance, 20 local Gold Coast companies competing, and a record-breaking $42,000 raised, the event continues to build a lasting legacy in honour of Jason Keal.

From the moment the first challenge kicked off, the energy was electric. Teams of tradesmen battled it out across a series of high-energy events, pushing themselves physically and mentally in the spirit of friendly competition. But beyond the games, the true purpose of the Keals Cup was front and centre – raising awareness and support for men’s mental health.

We were privileged to hear from an incredible lineup of guest speakers: AFL legend Barry Hall, professional ironman champion Trevor Hendy, and Alistair Mitchell, mental health advocate (formerly of Livin') – reinforcing the importance of open conversations and seeking support.

This year, we proudly partnered with The Outback Mind Foundation, a grassroots charity dedicated to promoting men’s mental health and preventing further tragedies.

Their programs provide education, support, and resources to men in rural, remote, and regional communities, with a strong focus on reducing the risk of domestic and family violence. By teaching men how to regulate their emotions and proactively manage emotional charge, The Outback Mind Foundation has already impacted 800 men over the past 24 months alone.

To further spread awareness, Peter Bond also sat down for a podcast interview with The Outback Mind Foundation, discussing the importance of mental health in the trades industry.

You can listen to it here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0aL6QdnmclIH76OtF64U3i

This year, we also had the opportunity to spread the message even further with a Triple M radio interview leading up to the event, helping to shine a light on the importance of mental health conversations within the trades.

Thanks to the generosity of attendees, sponsors, and the local community, we exceeded last year’s total and raised $42,000 for The Outback Mind Foundation, supporting their vital work in men’s mental health.

The success of Keals Cup 2024 proves that this movement is only getting stronger. The conversations, connections, and funds raised are making a real impact, and we’re already looking forward to making the next Keals Cup even bigger.

A huge thank you to everyone who attended, donated, competed, and supported this cause. Together, we’re changing the conversation around men’s mental health – one event at a time.