Aussie men like a free feed as much as anyone and, as Tradies In Sight founder and director, Bruno Efoti understands, this is also a great way to get them to open-up about themselves and the issues that they face.

That is the principle behind the locally-run counselling group’s next Dubbo Cares event at the Rotunda in Victoria Park, on next Wednesday, October 29.

With the assistance and help from a score of mental health support groups, he’s hoping the brekkie and lunch event, can be the biggest and the best they’ve ever held.

“Dubbo Cares is about highlighting the local support and mental health services we have around town,” Bruno explained.

“It starts with a barbecue at 7am, which goes through to about 10, and then we start the lunch barbecue which goes to about 2pm,” he added.

From a more-supportive Pacific Islander background and with decades as a tradie in the local industry himself, Bruno knows better than most, the reluctance that many Australian working blokes have in broaching issues to do with their well-being and emotional state.

The free feed, he explains, therefore provides a convenient avenue to open such topics in those for whom their feelings are often hidden.

“We normally engage with mental health services and get together with them to provide information at this event.

“People then come along, have something to eat, and we start a conversation,” Bruno explained.

The events have proven hugely-popular in the region, and Bruno is hoping that this one can top the lot, with a caffeine incentive also for this next showing!

“This is our fifth one, over the last two years, we’ve had 500-600 people, and we’re hoping for more this time, we’re certainly looking to get back up there.

“A coupla coffee shops down the street have also come on board with some vouchers we'll be handing out, so you can get a drink, and something to eat.”

Another beloved not-for-profit is also "flying in" to don the aprons and assisting with getting the grub underway.

“There’ll be both sausage and steak sandwiches as well, and it’s all free,” Bruno said.

“The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) will also be helping with the barbecuing, and we’ll be there from seven, so come on down,” he concluded.