Shining A Light On The Noble Men Of Mackay

By Hannah McNamara

In recognition of the hardworking, down-to-earth, and selfless men in our region, several celebrations will honour those blokes who have consistently put the needs of their families, friends, and communities ahead of their own.

As International Men’s Day approaches on Tuesday, 19th November, Shed Happens Mackay, sponsored by DGH Engineering and Daly Bay, will host three activities over the next four months. These include an Art Show at the Jubilee Community Centre (JCC), the Mackay Man of the Year Award (sponsored by Minds Aligned), and a corporate Breakfast at Souths Leagues Club.

These events aim to shine a light on the quiet acts of kindness, leadership and integrity that has made a lasting impact in the lives of those they serve.

The International Men’s Day Mackay, in partnership with the Mackay Art Society, is organising an art show themed “Celebrating Men’s Positive Contributions to Society.” The opening night will be held at the Jubilee Community Centre on Friday, 20th September 2024, from 6pm to 8.30pm, with the Member for Whitsunday, Amanda Camm MP, attending for the award presentation. The exhibition will be open to the public from Saturday, 21st September to Friday, 27th September 2024, from 10am to 4pm.

Frank Cowell, the Founder of Shed Happens Mackay, initiated the organisation as a monthly gathering for men to support one another and discuss the good, bad, and sad aspects of manhood.

“It started off as just a breakfast…and now it’s a breakfast, an art show, a Man of the Year event, and an International Men’s Day celebration,” Frank shared.

The Man of the Year is chosen by a panel consisting of one woman and three men.

According to Frank, the judges, “Look for qualities that reflect a man who sets a positive example, not just for his family, but also for his neighbours and his community.”

“The Man of the Year is usually someone who’s not well known…because they’re too busy with their head down doing the job,” Frank said.

“Most of the blokes nominated are average, ordinary men who serve their family and community well.”

He encourages men of all ages to move past their mistakes.

“Don’t dwell on the past…forgive the things you’ve done wrong, deal with them, and move on.

“Every bloke is a champion, even if we don’t believe it.”

Nominations for Mackay Man of the Year are open throughout September, with entry forms available through the Mackay Shed Happens Facebook page.

The final event will feature breakfast at Souths Leagues Club, an interview with the 2023 Mackay Man of the Year, Phil Hall, raffles, a roundtable discussion on the theme, an auction of the winning piece from the Art Show and the presentation of the IMD 2024 Mackay Man of the Year.

Visit www.imdmi.com.au, or contact Frank Cowell via 0434 908 968 or [email protected] for further information.

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Frank Cowell, founder of Shed Happens Mackay, looks forward to celebrating Mackay’s noble men at the upcoming International Men’s Day events. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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