More Than 500 South Australians Unite for Men’s Mental Health at Adelaide Oval
On 18 June, more than 500 South Australians came together at Adelaide Oval for Breakthrough’s third annual Men’s Meals and Mental Health Dinner. South Australia’s largest men’s mental health fundraising event, the dinner sold out for the third consecutive year, bringing together community members, advocates, researchers and leaders to shine a light on one of the nation’s most pressing health challenges: men’s mental health and suicide prevention.
The event was held against a sobering backdrop. Every day, nine Australians die by suicide, seven of them men. Nearly half of all men will experience mental illness during their lifetime, yet many still struggle to seek help when they need it most.
This year’s theme, Overcoming Adversity, encouraged attendees to reflect on resilience, vulnerability and the importance of reaching out for support.
A Walk Towards Connection
The evening began at The Malt Shovel Taphouse before guests took part in a symbolic walk across the Adelaide Oval footbridge.
Following an open microphone session where attendees shared personal reflections and experiences, participants walked together as a reminder that seeking support is often a journey—and one that no one should have to face alone.
The experience set the tone for an evening focused on breaking down barriers and creating meaningful conversations around mental health.
Honouring Lives Lost
One of the most moving moments of the event was the installation of 238 white chairs outside Adelaide Oval.
Each chair represented a South Australian life lost to suicide in 2024–25, serving as a powerful visual reminder of the devastating impact suicide continues to have on families, friends and communities across the state.
The installation prompted reflection, conversation and a renewed commitment to ensuring fewer families experience such loss in the future.
Stories of Resilience and Hope
Hosted by respected media personalities Jess Adamson and Andrew Hayes, the evening featured inspiring stories from individuals who have faced extraordinary challenges.
South Australian Minister for Health and Wellbeing, The Hon. Blair Boyer MP, addressed attendees, reinforcing the importance of mental health and suicide prevention as ongoing priorities for the state.
Award-winning journalist Ben Hyde shared his journey following a life-changing road accident in 2021, while internationally recognised advocate Dr Gill Hicks AM, MBE spoke about rebuilding her life after surviving the 2005 London bombings.
Guests also heard from Breakthrough’s Men’s Suicide Prevention Research Fellow, Dr Ian Zajac, who provided insights into the latest research and emerging approaches to suicide prevention and men’s mental health.
Turning Awareness into Action
For Breakthrough CEO John Mannion, the evening was about more than raising awareness, it was about creating real change.
“In South Australia, 238 lives were lost to suicide in 2024–25. Every one of those lives mattered, and everyone left behind family, friends and communities who continue to feel that loss,” he said.
“If this event encourages someone to start a conversation, check in on a mate or seek support earlier, then we’re helping save lives.”
The event raised an outstanding $186,044 to support Breakthrough’s men’s suicide prevention research program and help deliver free mental health workshops to regional communities and farming families across South Australia.
Hitting Mainstream Media
The impact of this year’s Men’s Meals and Mental Health Dinner resonated beyond the event itself, with media outlets across South Australia helping to amplify the conversation around men’s mental health and suicide prevention.
Coverage highlighted the powerful installation of 238 white chairs representing South Australians lost to suicide in 2024–25, as well as the importance of encouraging men to seek support and start conversations about their mental health.
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Growing a National Movement
The success of this year’s sold-out event marks another milestone in Breakthrough’s growing impact. Now in its third year, the Men’s Meals and Mental Health Dinner has become South Australia’s leading men’s mental health fundraising event, attracting record community support and raising $186,044 for men’s suicide prevention research and mental health education programs.
Later this year, the Men’s Meals and Mental Health Dinner will expand beyond South Australia for the first time, with a Melbourne event planned at the iconic MCG.
As the initiative continues to grow, so too does its mission: creating spaces where conversations happen, stigma is challenged and lives can ultimately be saved. Because when it comes to men’s mental health, every conversation matters.
