After a couple of years' break, the East Gippsland Biggest Blokes BBQ returned last Friday, kicking off in sunshine at the St Mary's Catholic Church yard and then moving across to Cremin Hall.
This year 340 men sat down to lunch catered for by Jacqui Banson and Keith McCubbin on the barbecues, and listened to the stories of Collingwood AFL great, Dane Swan, and Australian basketball legend, Chris Anstey, while laughing the afternoon away with comedian Des Dowling.
The day started with a message from Chris Harding, from the Prostate Cancer Research Foundation, and was followed up by East Gippslands Prostate Cancer specialist nurse, Ashley Leach. Both had supportive messages for the men attending.
This year with the support of local businesses and the local blokes that attended, the committee reported the money raised will exceed $70,000.
Other Biggest Blokes BBQ committee members travelled from around the state to attend, with Shepparton Big Boys chairman, Shane O'Sullivan travelling over the mountains to take his seat.
The Biggest Blokes BBQ movement was started in Shepparton 13 years ago by the then managing director of the Shepparton News, Chris McPherson.

IMAGE: East Gippsland Biggest Blokes BBQ committee members, Bill Cooper, Denis Gerrard, Frank Strini and Peter Camera, were drumming up support for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia last Friday. The BBQ returned following two years of COVID cancellations with 340 blokes packing into Cremin Hall. More photos pages 10 and 11. K56-4059