Join us at the Breakthrough Mental Health Dinner 2026 at the MCG
The Breakthrough Mental Health Dinner is taking a BIG step forward into the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Friday, 16th October 2026. Join us to foster a safe and supportive environment for people to come together and address the stigmas surrounding mental health.
DATE
Friday, 16th October 2026
From 6pm -11pm
LOCATION
Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
DRESS CODE
Business Casual
What is the Breakthrough Mental Health Dinner?
The Breakthrough Mental Health Dinner is a flagship event during International Mental Health Month, inspired by Breakthrough’s renowned and sell-out annual Adelaide Men’s Mental Health Dinner. It will unite business leaders, philanthropists, and change makers at the iconic MCG to turn the tide on mental ill-health.
Through powerful lived experience stories and interactive moments, guests will see how conversation, connection and community can create a ripple effect of change for men, their families and communities across Australia.
Every day, nine Australians die by suicide. Seven of them are men. Each life lost leaves behind a ripple of pain that touches an average of 134 people. That’s families, friends, colleagues, teammates experiencing a devastating ripple effect. But what if we could create a different ripple? One conversation can create ripples of lasting change.
7 of the 9 lives lost to suicide every day in Australia are men
43% of men will experience a mental illness in their life
A quarter of men say they would not seek help from anyone if they were struggling
Watch the highlights from the last event
Why Breakthrough?
Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation exists to help create a life free from mental illness. We invest in critical projects that change the way we understand, prevent, and treat mental illness. This event aims to raise $500,000 to fund vital research into suicide prevention and early intervention, turning awareness into a tangible, lasting impact.
What's involved?
- Interviews with high-profile guest speakers
- Interviews with sports celebrities
- Interactive activity
- Develop first-level skills to be aware of our own wellbeing
- Learn the steps to start a supportive mental health conversation
- 3-course meal
- Beverage package
- Live music and connection
- Live auction raising funds for suicide prevention fellowship
Watch THE step-to-the-line activity
The inaugural Breakthrough Mental Health Dinner in 2024 sold out in 6 weeks, our latest dinner sold out in 6 days.
Secure a table and become part of the ripple effect
Having trouble viewing the booking form? Please click here
Here's what our past attendees have to say:
Sponsorship Opportunities
Become a sponsor and gain valuable exposure while helping us create a safe space where people can connect. It’s your chance to make a real impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Friday 16 October – The Olympic Room, Melbourne Cricket Ground, (MCG) on Brunton Ave, Richmond, Victoria 3002.
Starts 6pm – 11.00pm Ends
Please fill out the registration form to purchase your tickets.
Three-course meal and drinks package, live music, guest speakers, activity sessions in the main oval arena, and live auction.
Please visit The MCG Website for more information
Yes, the MCG is accessible, with wheel ramps and multiple lifts throughout the grounds. Please visit The MCG Website for more information.
Please contact our events team to issue refunds, [email protected]
Please note, we cannot issue a refund 72 hours prior to the event.
Business Casual
For all seating requests, please contact [email protected]
This event will cover mature adult conversations, and we consider this event suitable for persons 18+.
Yes, however we ask that you are mindful for people who feel vulnerable, who may not feel comfortable.
For social media, we ask that you include the following hashtags:
#breakthroughmentalhealthfoundation #mentalhealthawareness #BTmensmealsandmentalhealth
If you become upset or triggered, we will have accredited mental health first aid support staff available at the event to offer their immediate support.
Silver Sponsors
