Mates who’ve ‘Gotcha4Life’

Each year, 65,000 attempt suicide – that’s one every few minutes.
Radio personality and mental health advocate Gus Worland is determined to reduce that to zero by helping Australians build their mental fitness and social connections.
After losing his beloved mentor to suicide, Gus decided to speak out.
The drive radio presenter on Triple M’s ‘Rush Hour’ with Jude Bolton and Wendell Sailor, spoke about this experience live on air, attracting hundreds of callers.
He next produced the ABC documentary series ‘Man Up’, about men’s mental health, encouraging people to speak up.
Gus and wife Vicky then founded the not-for-profit Gotcha4Life Foundation in 2017 to foster mental fitness and in 2022 alone, delivered more than 2,000 programs to 120,000 mental fitness workshop participants in schools, sporting clubs, community groups and businesses.
Travelling Australia spreading his message, Gus is passionate about helping ensure no one worries alone.
As such, he is hosting a Gotcha4Life Mateship Luncheon at Bankstown RSL in May with fellow speakers including RSL ambassador and radio presenter Anthony Maroon and former rugby league players Bryan Fletcher and James Graham.
He said in the seven years Gotcha4Life had been running, he’s had numerous people tell him they wouldn’t be here without the support the programs had provided.
“I’ll be fighting for a world that’s free from suicide until I’m pushing up daisies but I can’t do it alone,” he said.
“We’ve been lucky to have raised over $17 million since the foundation began, without any government support, that’s mostly $5 and $10 donations but we need more funding to offer more programs to reach more people; once you’ve got that support and the emotional tools, then you’re more likely to get through all the stuff life throws at you.”
For an afternoon of solidarity, storytelling and showing support for a great cause, book for Gotcha4Life Luncheon at the RSL on Friday, May 10, from 12noon, with tickets $125 a person or grab a table of eight for $1,000 and invest in a future where mental fitness is the priority.
Bookings: Bankstown RSL, 8713 0700.