Chemist Warehouse, Gotcha4Life and Gillette officially kicked off Men’s Health Month 2025 with a powerful event in Sydney, reinforcing their shared commitment to tackling mental health stigma and building emotional resilience across Australia.
The recent luncheon brought together media, brand partners and supporters for an emotional afternoon centred on connection, mateship and mental fitness. The event marked the launch of this year’s Gotcha4Life campaign and featured a moving panel discussion hosted by journalist Jonathon Moran. The panel included Gotcha4Life Founder Gus Worland, Army Major and cancer survivor Hugo Toovey, design expert Neale Whitaker and AFL Premiership Captain Trent Cotchin.
“This is about getting that number down to zero,” said Worland, referring to Australia’s alarming suicide rates. “We lose seven blokes and two women every single day. That’s nine Aussies who are here today and gone tomorrow. And every eight minutes, someone in this country tries to take their own life.”
Worland founded Gotcha4Life in 2017 following the loss of a close friend. Since then, the foundation has evolved into a national movement delivering preventative mental fitness programs in schools, sporting clubs, workplaces and local communities.
“We’ve reached over half a million Aussies through our workshops—but that’s just the beginning,” he said. “There are so many more people we need to reach to ensure no one has to worry alone.”
In a raw and reflective moment on stage, Worland described his personal journey from media to full-time advocacy. “I was very fortunate to do a show called Man Up on the ABC, and it was the first time they moved away from cancer into mental health. That really changed the way I looked at things,” he said. “Now, I don’t do radio—I do this as full-time as I can. I go to bed every night knowing we’re making a difference.”
The conversation also highlighted the importance of early intervention. “We’re talking to men now in their 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s whose emotional tap was turned off in primary school,” Worland said. “Mental fitness should be a subject at school. Kids should walk out of Year 6 with emotional tools in their backpack.”
For Worland, the solution starts with a simple action. “You just have to start. Bubble and fumble your way through it,” he urged. “Say, ‘I don’t know how to say this’—and that alone starts the conversation.”
As the event drew to a close, he offered a sobering reminder. “Yes, this lunch is beautiful. But the reality is that nine families will go through hell today—and again tomorrow. So enough. We’re not going to accept it anymore.”
Chemist Warehouse has been a founding partner of Gotcha4Life and remains its biggest supporter, having raised over $6.1 million for the foundation to date.
“We’ve been behind Gotcha4Life since day one because what they’re doing really matters,” said Mario Tascone, Chief Operating Officer of Chemist Warehouse. “It’s a cause close to our hearts, and an organisation we are so proud to partner with once again.”
Until July 9, 5% of sales from selected brands, along with proceeds from ‘Mateship’ wristbands and till donations in Chemist Warehouse stores nationwide, will go directly to Gotcha4Life.
Also returning is the limited-edition Gotcha4Life Men’s Care Box, priced at $19.99 and available online. The box features premium men’s grooming products and is designed to spark connection and remind men they’re not alone.
Photography: Scott and Co.
Read the AUTUMN ’25 issue of Retail Beauty below:
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