Geocon and Menslink hope at least 20 groups enter this year’s Stair Chase. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
It always made sense to Geocon CFO Brad Warren that the company always supported Menslink.
As a not-for-profit organisation helping young men in the Canberra region with free counselling, volunteer mentoring and education programs, Menslink has an obvious connection to the construction industry, where new young men enter the ranks every year. But it’s more than that.
Empowering young men in these difficult times has a ripple effect of good for the whole community.
“The world today is very different from when I was growing up. The prevalence of technology and social media places a lot more pressure on young people at a time when they’re figuring out who they are and what they stand for,” he says.
“A cause that can keep them on a good path is one we’re happy to get behind.”
It’s why Geocon has been happy to run the Stair Chase, proudly supporting Menslink for years.
This year, the organisation hopes to galvanise 20 teams of four to take on the challenge of ascending the 25 storeys of stairs at High Society – Canberra’s tallest residential towers.
For the first time, Brad will be among them.
“We have got four Geocon teams,” he says. “I don’t think we’ll have any trouble. It’s a great cause and a really fun event. I’m really looking forward to it.”
Funds raised in the Stair Chase support the delivery of Menslink’s vital programs helping Canberra’s young men cultivate healthy decision-making abilities. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.
All proceeds from the event will directly help fund Menslink programs.
These include Unplugged, a course encouraging more conscious use of social media and Tribe, a program empowering young men to make good decisions and accept personal responsibility.
It also includes the Silence is Deadly program, aimed at encouraging help-seeking behaviour among young men.
Menslink CEO Ben Gathercole says the demand for Menslink programs has only increased over the years.
“Unfortunately, the negative and toxic role models are very good at taking up space, and that noise can be hard to tune out,” he says.
“Once upon a time, we might’ve had a trusted uncle or sporting group that helped steer us onto a good path, but they’re not as prevalent these days.”
Ben says the challenge is as much about raising awareness as funds.
“We’re trying to reach as many young fellas through our education programs as possible, but also create awareness in the community that if they know a young man who’s struggling at home or in the workplace, they can call on Menslink,” he says.
“At the end of the day if we hit our participation goal of 20 teams of at least four, that will be 80 people with new or renewed knowledge of what we do, and that’s a big win.”
Register as a team or individual for the Geocon Stair Chase 2025 now. The event takes place on Wednesday, 7 May, at High Society, Grazier Lane, Belconnen. Team entry is $1000, individual entry is $300, and donations are also welcome.
Visit Menslink to learn more about their programs.
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