Funds raised through Bendigo’s Biggest Ever Blokes lunch have been donated to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia for Prostate Cancer research, prostate cancer care and support services for cancer patients in the Loddon Mallee region. Below is a summary of where the funds have been allocated over the past four years.

Impact

2025 lunch

  • $50,000 donation to Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia to fund Prostate Cancer Nurse specialist position at Bendigo Health.

Introducing our new prostate cancer nurse

Ray Nicholson joined Bendigo Health in December 2025 as a new Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse.

With over 25 years of experience in Prostate Cancer, Ray is excited to make a difference for men and their families in our region.

“Approximately 400 new cases of Prostate Cancer diagnosed in our region each year, that’s more than one per day,” Ray said.

“With our ageing population that figure is only going up and we need to do all we can to support men and their families on their prostate cancer journey.”

Ray is currently seeing 25-30 patients per week and is keen to explore further service enhancements, particularly in sexual, physical and mental health for men suffering from prostate cancer.

Ray’s role is funded through a partnership between Bendigo’s Biggest Ever Blokes Lunch, Bendigo Health Foundation and Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

2024 lunch

  • $40,000 donation to St John of God Bendigo Hospital for the da Vinci surgical robot. Equipment will enhance surgical care for patients in the region.

  • $50,000 donation to Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia to fund Prostate Cancer Nurse specialist position at Bendigo Health.

  • $9,000 donation to Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia for Prostate Cancer research

2023 lunch

$30,000 Gobbe Wellness Centre, Bendigo Health. The centre provides a variety of complementary therapies and supportive care services for cancer patients.

$65,000 Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia for Prostate Cancer research.

2022 lunch

$25,000 Gobbe Wellness Centre, Bendigo Health.

$35,000 Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia for Prostate Cancer research.