MEDIA RELEASE 12 September 2025
Shadow Cabinet Secretary and Federal Member for Fisher, Andrew Wallace MP, will today be announced as the Patron of Grab Life By The Balls, a Sunshine Coast-founded men’s mental health charity dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of boys and men through the simple power of mateship.
Founded by Sam Parker, Grab Life By The Balls has grown from grassroots coffee catch-ups into a national movement, holding social events, presentations and programs to connect blokes across the country and turn the tide on male suicide.
Mr Wallace said he was proud to lend his support to an organisation that embodies the importance of mateship.
“Men’s mental health is a national crisis, and we need more than conversations, we need policies and programs. Grab Life By The Balls is proof that something as simple as a chat and a cuppa can save lives. I’m proud to stand alongside Sam, Shane and their team as Patron.”
“On the national stage I’ve been a strong advocate for better mental health outcomes, but this movement started right here in Fisher. Supporting local initiatives like Grab Life By The Balls means we can connect with blokes where they’re at and that makes all the difference.” Mr Wallace reflected.
Sam Parker, founder of Grab Life By The Balls, said having Mr Wallace on board was a huge step forward for the charity.
“When we first kicked off, it was just a few blokes catching up over coffee. Now, with Andrew coming on board as Patron, we’ve got a stronger voice than ever to reach our goal of connecting one million Aussie men and boys. This is about creating a culture where talking and supporting each other is just what mates do.”
“We’re stoked to have Andrew join us. He’s not only been a strong voice for men’s mental health in Parliament, but he genuinely gets it. He understands the power of mateship, and together we can inspire more men to grab life by the balls and look out for each other.” Mr Parker said.
With the support of community leaders like Mr Wallace, Grab Life By The Balls continues to drive the message that improving men’s health can start with something simple, a chat, a mate, and the courage to turn up.
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Media Contact: Brendan West
M | 0402 556 646
E | Brendan.west@aph.gov.au
