Blokes Barbeque set to fire with biggest line-up ever
Volunteering to help others is an extremely noble pursuit, and one that not everyone is willing to commit to.
But some do. Smartline’s Michael Slaughter, who runs a successful and popular mortgage advisory business in Drouin, in Victoria’s West Gippsland area, wanted to do more for his local community.
Three years ago, he became involved in the Baw Baw Big Blokes annual BBQ, an event that helps fund prostate cancer research, awareness, support and special initiatives. He is now a committee member and has worked tirelessly to bolster ticket sales and sponsorships from other Drouin businesses. The respect and affection the community has for Michael has helped him to raise many tens of thousands of dollars for the cause.
In recognition of his efforts, Michael has been nominated as a finalist for this year’s Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) Excellence Awards in the category of Community Champion, Victoria. This award recognises brokers who have been active advocates for their community and have made a positive contribution to the implementation of social, ethical or community service programs.
The winners of the Victorian contingent will be announced at the Melbourne Awards night on 6th June.
According to Smartline CEO Sam Boer, “Michael is a warm, generous and conscientious person and is certainly a positive role model for his community. He is also an extremely experienced and dedicated mortgage adviser who tends to build longterm relationships with his clients, based on mutual trust and respect. He simply loves to help others, and this award nomination is very fitting and well deserved.”
Michael has had a successful few years, having also been a Smartline Marketing Champion Finalist (VIC/TAS) in 2017 and 2018, and winning the Smartline Business Growth Award last year.
“It is thanks to my wonderful clients and my local community that I have been able to achieve this level of success in my business, and with the Big Blokes BBQ,” says Michael. “I love being able to help people with their finance and investments, and my involvement in the BBQ is an extension of this.
While I am very honoured to receive this recognition, I’ve found that giving is a two-way street. As the saying goes, ‘there is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.
The Baw Baw Big Blokes Barbeque is set to return to Lardner Park on October 18 with its biggest entertainment line-up ever. The event, now in its eighth year, raises awareness and is a fundraiser for men’s health issues, in particular prostate cancer. It raises funds for prostate cancer research, awareness and support and local initiatives including providing funding to deliver first aid training to more than 5000 year nine students to date.
Champion boxer Danny ‘The Green Machine’ Green, former AFL footballer Warwick ‘The Wiz’ Capper and former prison officer and one of Australia’s leading stand up comedians Rob Brown are locked in to entertain guests at this year’s event.
Patron sponsorships have sold out for this year’s event with John Duff & Co, Malady Electrical, Gary Blackwood MP, Warragul & Drouin Gazette, Harcourts Warragul, Blackwoods Warragul Readymixed and Garden Supplies, Khans Hospitality Services, LMK Building Services and Simonds Homes all taking up the opportunity to become patron sponsors.
Further sponsorship opportunities are available by emailing bbbigblokes@gmail.c om
Please keep your eye on the Gazette for details of when event tickets will be released.