Tue. Oct 8th, 2024

A new group for men, ‘Average Joes’, will have their very first Armidale meetup tonight at the Whitebull Hotel.

Average Joes Is a global men’s movement that meets for an hour each week in either a pub or a café as a place for men to build a strong community by talking amongst other men about relevant issues in life while enjoying a brew and making friends.

The idea was kickstarted by two mates from Mooloolaba in 2018 after they had both been touched by suicide and were determined to make a difference.  For four months they met every Wednesday afternoon at the local pub for “beers, wings and a laugh” and one afternoon put a call out on social media for local men in the area to join them for a beer and wings once a week.  The post was picked up by the local newspaper and published overnight, the response was overwhelming and they drew a strong crowd the following week. 

Since then, Average Joes has expanded across QLD, into NSW and even Pakistan and the UK with a ‘teen edition’ about to kick off in Tennessee USA.

The meetups are focused on particular topics, the conversations are raw and real and without any BS.

Average Joes is not a mental health group, a suicide support awareness group, or a religious group.  It is simply just a group for men, that are committed to becoming better men, husbands, fathers, partners and everyday blokes by learning from other ‘Average Joes’.

It’s an atmosphere to make mates, have a beer and talk seriously about improving oneself by embracing authentic and positive masculinity

Local legend Manbir ‘Bear’ Rooprai will be on hand as host to launch the Armidale chapter tonight, Wednesday (the 17th) at the ‘Bull’ and the first 4 weeks will look something like this….

The 1st week of the month will be a purely social open table meetup.  The second week usually has a set topic and is presented by the host for a group chat.  By the 3rd week, there will be an open mic night, which is a chance for one of the fellas to bring their own topic, thought or story that they can put to the group for an open chat in a friendly, non-judgmental and understanding environment.  By the 4th week after the launch, there will be another night focusing on a set topic that is presented by the host for a group chat.   

So, feel free to jump on in, it’s totally free, just walk in, and look out for the AJ’s shirts or message when you get there.  The meetup tonight is from 5:30 to 6:30 pm at the Whitebull Hotel Armidale.  All are welcome. 

You can find out more about the group on the Average Joe’s website https://averagejoes.net.au/

Their Facebook page is:  https://www.facebook.com/AverageJoes.net.au

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