Talk2MeBro’s director Jack Brown is used to donning a suit and tie – but in May he’ll be rocking a different outfit at the Boots and Ballgowns fundraiser. Photo: Talk2MeBro.
CONTENT WARNING: This story refers to suicide.
It’s a little bit of country, a little bit of glam, and a lot of heart.
For this May, Wollongong Crane Trucks and Tiny Tins have organised a very special event to raise funds for suicide prevention charity Talk2MeBro.
Boots and Ballgowns will transform the WIN Entertainment Centre into a Western-themed arena complete with line dancing and entertainment from Australian country-rock musician Robbie Mortimer.
It’s all in honour of Darren ‘Daz’ Mortimer from Wollongong Crane Trucks, who died last year.
Event organiser Karlie Zec, from Tiny Tins, said it was impossible to meet Darren without loving him.
“He was a beautiful soul who was always smiling, no matter what the day threw at him,” she said.
“We all miss him very much – he’d brighten up your day.
“He had the biggest heart in the world; he would give anyone the shirt off his back.
“About 2000 people came to his funeral; there were grown men on the floor crying.
“Everyone knew him; he touched hearts.”
All proceeds from the night will go to Talk2MeBro.
The charity offers tailored mental health programs with the aim of reducing suicide in Australia to zero.
Director Jack Brown said he was blown away by the support.
“We are so lucky,” he said.
“We couldn’t survive without this support from the community and loving people. I can’t speak highly enough of them.
“A lot of the time we’re in suits and ties; this is something different and new for the Illawarra. We’re raffling off a car; there’s tonnes happening.
“75 per cent of the tickets have already sold; it’s going to be unreal and we can’t wait.”
Jack said Australians were getting better at talking about suicide, but sometimes weren’t aware of the ripple effect a loss could have on the wider community.
Events like this help to highlight the importance of the work Talk2MeBro does and celebrate the life of a much-loved member of the community.
“We hope this becomes an annual event in Daz’s honour,” Jack said.
“On average one suicide affects 135 people – colleagues, friends and family.
“It also increases the likelihood of those people committing suicide. People need support not just in the immediate aftermath but into the future too.
“When someone dies their legacy is still with us and we can do things in their honour to support the people still here not to struggle alone.
“We’re not just talking about it, we’re doing something about it. We want to educate and empower people so other families don’t go through what the Mortimers went through.”
The Boots and Ballgowns event will be held at the WIN Entertainment Centre on Friday 29 May from 6:30 pm.
If you’d like to buy tickets, head to the WIN Entertainment Centre website.
If this story has raised any issues for you, you can call Lifeline’s 24-hour crisis support line on 13 11 14. Help and support are also available through the Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467, 13YARN: 13 92 76, and Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636.
