BCOGNITIVE PROUDLY PRESENTS: THE NEW BRAVE – REDEFINING STRENGTH IN MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH!

14 June 2024

GALA EVENT OVERVIEW

Welcome to the Inaugural BCOGNITIVE Men’s Mental Health Gala

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

14 June 2024

Date

The Stamford Grand Adelaide Hotel

Location

Bright & Colourful black tie

Dress Code

The New Brave: Redefining Strength in Men's Mental Health

Theme

6:30 PM

start time

In a world where masculinity is traditionally linked to physical toughness and emotional restraint, the BCOGNITIVE Men’s Mental Health Gala boldly challenges these notions. Our event, “The New Brave,” celebrates a more profound form of courage—one that highlights vulnerability, encourages open conversations, and promotes mental well-being as a fundamental strength. This gathering places a particular focus on men’s mental health, inviting us to redefine bravery through the lens of mental resilience and emotional openness.

GALA HIGHLIGHTS: GREAT VALUE FOR AN IMPORTANT CAUSE

Dinner and Drinks:

Enjoy a delicious three-course meal with a two-hour drinks package. We’ll have photographers and videographers capturing the fun throughout the evening, topped off with music from a fantastic DJ.

Inspiring Talks:

Hear from mental health leaders, advocates, and individuals sharing their experiences and insights on redefining strength and bravery. These conversations aim to be both enlightening and motivational.

Art and Performances:

Experience a variety of artistic performances that highlight the resilience and diversity of the human spirit. It's a chance to see the power of art in expressing and understanding mental health.

Interactive Discussions:

Join roundtable discussions to learn more about mental health and the importance of community support. These sessions are a great way to connect with others and gain new perspectives.

Support Mental Health Initiatives:

Your ticket purchase directly supports mental health programs and research. Join us for a meaningful evening where fun meets philanthropy, and help us make a difference in mental health. K

Gala Highlights

Empowering Conversations:

Be inspired by leaders in mental health, advocates, and individuals who have navigated their own mental health journeys, as they share their insights on redefining strength and bravery.

Interactive Sessions:

Participate in roundtable discussion that foster a deeper understanding of mental health and the importance of community support.

Artistic Expressions:

Experience the transformative power of art, music, and performance, celebrating the resilience and diversity of the human spirit.

Support Mental Health Initiatives:

Your attendance and contributions directly support mental health programs and research. Secure your ticket today and join us in making a difference.

Why Focus on Men's Mental Health?

The journey towards mental wellness has been a silent struggle for many men, hindered by deep-rooted stigmas and societal expectations that equate emotional expression with weakness. Yet, courage lies in the heart of vulnerability — in the ability to seek help, share struggles, and support one another openly.
Men are less likely to seek help for mental health issues, leading to a cascade of consequences, including isolation, deteriorating relationships, and an alarming rate of suicide among men. “The New Brave” seeks to illuminate these challenges, offering hope, understanding, and pathways to healing.

Who is Welcome?

While our speakers are men from diverse backgrounds, we extend a heartfelt invitation to everyone. Mental health, especially men’s mental health, is a topic that touches us all—families, friends, colleagues, and communities.
  • Families: Understand the challenges your loved one’s face and learn how to support them through their journey.
  • Friends: Gain insights into the signs of mental health struggles and the best ways to offer help.
  • Professionals: Learn about the impact of mental health in the workplace and how to foster a supportive environment.
  • Educators and Students: Educate yourselves on the importance of mental health awareness from an early age.
  • Everyone Interested: This is an opportunity to broaden your understanding of mental health issues, reduce stigma, and embrace empathy.
Mental health issues do not discriminate, and neither do we. Whether you are directly affected, supporting someone who is, or wish to learn more, your presence is valuable. We can create a community of support, understanding, and action.

Dress Code: Colorful Formal Attire

In alignment with our core value of being “Colourful” and our mission to embrace diversity and innovation in mental health solutions, we invite you to express this spirit through our gala dress code: Colorful Formal Attire. This unique theme is a testament to our belief in the power of diversity, creativity, and inclusivity, reflecting the vibrant tapestry of thoughts, ideas, and backgrounds that define BCOGNITIVE.
  • For Men: We encourage a modern twist on the classic tuxedo. Feel free to incorporate colours that reflect your personality and style. Whether it's a vibrant bow tie, a colorful jacket, or accessories that stand out, your attire is an opportunity to express the richness of diversity we cherish.
  • For Women: Elegant gowns in hues that resonate with you are most welcome. We envision a palette of colors that not only adds to the visual spectacle of the evening but also symbolizes the variety and depth of the mental health experiences we acknowledge and support..
  • Traditional Wear: In keeping with our inclusive ethos, traditional wear from any culture is highly encouraged. This inclusion reflects our commitment to embracing and celebrating the diverse backgrounds and stories within our community. Your traditional attire is a beautiful expression of identity and heritage, resonating with our mission to foster an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.

Be Part of the Change

Join us as we celebrate “The New Brave,” where courage is redefined and mental health is given the platform it deserves. Secure your ticket today and be part of a night that promises to be as enlightening as it is inspiring. Your participation is a step towards a future where mental health is openly discussed, supported, and prioritised.

Together, we can change the narrative around men's mental health, showing that true bravery lies in the strength to be vulnerable, to seek help, and to support each other.

Presenters

Shane Drumgold (Speaker)

Shane Drumgold (Speaker)

Shane Drumgold grew up in the public housing estate of Mt Druitt in the Sydney’s

Jason McGrice (Speaker)

Jason McGrice (Speaker)

Spiritually connected from a young age, it was Jason’s embodiment

Nik Maines (Speaker)

Nik Maines (Speaker)

Introducing Nik Maine, a resilient soul with a story that defies the odds

Mark Aiston (Master of Ceremony)

Mark Aiston (Master of Ceremony)

Mark Aiston has worked in the Australian TV and radio industry since 1980 as

Nadia Clancy MP (Keynote Speaker)

Nadia Clancy MP (Keynote Speaker)

Nadia Clancy is the Premier’s Advocate for Suicide Prevention and Chair
view more

Nadia Clancy MP (Keynote Speaker)

Nadia Clancy is the Premier’s Advocate for Suicide Prevention and Chair

View More

Mark Aiston (Master of Ceremony)

Mark Aiston has worked in the Australian TV and radio industry since 1980 as

View More

Shane Drumgold (Speaker)

Shane Drumgold grew up in the public housing estate of Mt Druitt in the Sydney’s

View More

Jason McGrice (Speaker)

Spiritually connected from a young age, it was Jason’s embodiment

View More

Nik Maines (Speaker)

Introducing Nik Maine, a resilient soul with a story that defies the odds

View More

Colin Kavooris (Speaker)

Colin Kavooris had run away from home twelve times at the age of twelve

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TO BE ANNOUNCED

The link to purchase tickets is here

Book your tickets now

About Us

At BCOGNITIVE, we stand at the forefront of mental health innovation, committed to delivering transformative solutions that cater to the nuanced needs of our clients. Our practice, known for its excellence in the mental health sector, serves both mainstream and NDIS clients with a collaborative and pioneering approach, ensuring optimal mental health outcomes.

Vision Statement

BCOGNITIVE envisions a world where mental health solutions are not just effective but are also vibrant, inclusive, and innovative. We aim to set industry standards, pioneering methods that are not just about adopting the latest technologies but are also about embracing diversity in every facet. Our vision is to create a global community where everyone, regardless of background, gender, age, or belief, feels valued, heard, and empowered to achieve their mental well-being.

Mission Statement

Our mission at BCOGNITIVE is to revolutionize mental health solutions by weaving a tapestry of diverse thoughts, ideas, and backgrounds. We strive to create an environment where work is not just about tasks but is infused with fun, fostering a culture of innovation and enthusiasm. Through collaboration, we harness the collective intelligence of our team, ensuring that every solution we offer is compassionate, understanding the deep needs of our clients and community. Our commitment to inclusivity ensures that every voice is heard, every perspective is valued, and every solution is tailored to the unique needs of our clients.

Our Director: Brian's Journey

Brian Njuguna, our esteemed director, stands as a testament to the transformative power of empathy and understanding in the realm of mental health advocacy. After witnessing the profound impact of mental health challenges within his community and among peers, Brian made a bold career shift from law to mental health. His dedication to fostering a deeper understanding of mental health dynamics and providing compassionate support drove this transition.

With an extensive background in law, Brian’s unique expertise in legal frameworks enriches his approach to mental health advocacy, allowing him to navigate complex…
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Our Core Values

Colourful

Our commitment to diversity goes beyond vibrant aesthetics. It's about embracing a rich tapestry of perspectives that enhance our solutions and fuel creativity.

Fun

We believe in infusing fun into our operations, creating an atmosphere where innovation thrives and team members are enthusiastic contributors.

Collaborative

Collaboration is our bedrock. We leverage the collective intelligence of our team to achieve shared objectives and surpass client expectations.

Compassionate

Our approach to compassion extends beyond empathy. We are dedicated to understanding and meeting the needs of our clients, team, and community.

Innovative

BCOGNITIVE is a beacon of innovation, pioneering new methodologies and strategies that set industry benchmarks.

Inclusive

Inclusivity is woven into our fabric, ensuring everyone is cherished and empowered to voice their opinions, irrespective of their background.

FAQs

The gala aims to raise awareness and funds for mental health initiatives, fostering a community of support and advancing the conversation around men’s mental health.
The gala is scheduled for 14 June 2024 at the Stamford Grand Adelaide Hotel at 2 Jetty Road, Glenelg, South Australia 5045.
Attendees are encouraged to wear colourful formal attire, including tuxedos for men and elegant gowns for women. Traditional wear from any culture is also highly encouraged, reflecting our core values of diversity and inclusivity.
Yes, tickets are currently available for purchase exclusively through our website. We encourage purchasing tickets in advance as we will not be selling tickets at the door. For a more memorable experience, consider buying tickets in groups of 10 to ensure you can enjoy the evening seated with your friends and family.
To ensure the best experience for all our guests and to manage catering and seating effectively, tickets will not be available for purchase at the door. We encourage you to secure your tickets well in advance through our website.
Dinner and Drinks:
Enjoy a delicious three-course meal with a two-hour drinks package. We’ll have photographers and videographers capturing the fun throughout the evening, topped off with music from a fantastic DJ.

Inspiring Talks:
Hear from mental health leaders, advocates, and individuals sharing their experiences and insights on redefining strength and bravery. These conversations aim to be both enlightening and motivational.

Art and Performances:
Experience a variety of artistic performances that highlight the resilience and diversity of the human spirit. It’s a chance to see the power of art in expressing and understanding mental health.

Interactive Discussions:
Join roundtable discussions to learn more about mental health and the importance of community support. These sessions are a great way to connect with others and gain new perspectives.

Support Mental Health Initiatives:
Your ticket purchase directly supports mental health programs and research. Join us for a meaningful evening where fun meets philanthropy and helps us make a difference in mental health.
The gala will feature four main speakers from diverse backgrounds, including law, media, sports, and mental health advocacy. Detailed bios can be found on our website.
A detailed schedule will be released on our website two weeks before the event. Attendees will also receive a program upon arrival.

Absolutely! The gala is a family-friendly event. However, please note that the minimum age for attendees is 16 years old. We encourage you to bring your older teenagers to participate in this important occasion.

Yes, alcohol will be available for adult guests. We kindly remind all attendees that it is their responsibility to ensure that minors do not consume alcoholic beverages during the event. We will also offer a variety of non-alcoholic beverage options to accommodate all our guests.

We welcome sponsorships and partnerships! Please contact us at 1800787481 or events@bcognitive.com.au for more details on how to collaborate.
Absolutely. The venue is fully accessible, and we strive to accommodate all attendees. Please contact us in advance with any specific needs.

Yes, we are looking for volunteers! If you’re interested in supporting the event, please email us at events@bcognitive.com.au

Yes, there is ample parking available at the Stamford Grand Adelaide Hotel. The hotel will also offer valet parking for a fee.
The Stamford Grand Adelaide Hotel offers luxurious accommodations, and several other hotels are nearby. Some may offer discounted rates for gala attendees – please check our website for more details.
Donations are greatly appreciated and can be made directly through our website. All contributions go towards supporting mental health initiatives.

No, the BCOGNITIVE Mental Health Gala is not a profit-making event. All proceeds from the silent auction and any additional donations received during the event will be distributed to support mental health causes. Your ticket’s cost covers the cost of the speakers,  room hire, entertainment, and three-course meal expense and includes a two-hour drink package.

Yes, limited sponsorship opportunities are available, and they are only open to organisations that support or demonstrate support for mental health. See the website for more details.

Yes, this is a not-for-profit event. All proceeds from the gala will be directed towards supporting our mental health initiatives and programs.

Contact with us
Feel free to write anytime

14 June 2024

Date

Venue Name:

Stamford Grand Adelaide Hotel

Address:

2 Jetty Road, Glenelg SA 5045

BCOGNITIVE PROUDLY PRESENT: THE NEW BRAVE: REDEFINING STRENGTH IN MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH
14 June 2024
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Nadia Clancy MP

Member for Elder | Premier’s Advocate for Suicide Prevention

( Keynote Speaker )

Nadia Clancy is the Premier’s Advocate for Suicide Prevention and Chair of the Suicide Prevention Council. Nadia believes in supporting collaboration between the government and the community. She is committed to working closely with the community and people with lived experience of suicide and advocating to the Minister for Health and Wellbeing and the Premier on reforming policy and services.

As the Premier’s Advocate for Suicide Prevention and Chair of the Council, Nadia aims to improve engagement and early intervention for people, provide opportunities for training and education to South Australians, and increase access to suicide prevention, treatment, and crisis intervention for our State.

Mark Aiston

Master of Ceremony

Mark Aiston has worked in the Australian TV and radio industry since 1980 as a sports host, a radio commentator and radio show host, predominantly in Adelaide.

Having built a loyal following, in 2016 Mark’s life changed forever. He lost his high profile roles in TV and radio, and his marriage collapsed. His downfall, not only affected him, but his family, friends, workmates and those who followed him throughout his media career.

On Thursday 28 March at 3pm in the afternoon on a gloomy overcast day, Mark boarded a flight from Adelaide to Melbourne. There he would stay for two months at the Hader Rehab Clinic, in a last ditch effort to overcome addiction to marijuana, alcohol, cocaine and gambling. All of which had robbed him of his family, job, friends, soul and in the end the will to live.

Since leaving the Hader Clinic, Mark has continued his sobriety, and is in the best space of his life. At 60 years of age, Mark says he never ever wants to go back to where he was, and he will do everything in his being to ensure it doesn’t happen again.

Mark’s message is not just extremely powerful and raw, it is uncomfortable for many. He holds nothing back, telling openly and honestly of his spiral into the darkest of holes.

He talks explicitly of his drug taking – why how and when – and his major mistakes under the influence of alcohol – mistakes that cost him his marriage and his jobs. And he speaks with candour and emotion about the damage he inflicted on himself and everyone around him through gambling.

Mark has been an advocate for mental health for 20 years, but as he freely admits, for much of that time he felt a fraud.

Now, truly enlightened, clean and sober, and loving himself for the first time, Mark has an unshakable desire to stay that way. Through his presentation, he warns others about wandering onto the path that is darkly lit, dangerous and totally unpredictable, a path he once frequented. Instead he offers another root, one that is bathed in sunshine, hope, love, companion, responsibility and abundance.

Mark uses no props, no powerpoint, no slides, just himself and his voice as he reflects on his backstory, and basks in his present and future.

Mark is also in demand as a host and facilitator for conventions and forums. He facilitates a media training masterclass, which is uniquely, funny, interactive, fast paced, entertaining and extremely informative. During the master class he cleverly distils a “one day” media training workshop into a 50 minute whirlwind of powerful insider media tips brilliantly utilising video clips and props.

Mark has worked on various national events including the Melbourne Cup, Sydney Olympics, Melbourne Commonwealth Games, Toyota AFL grand Final lunch, Australian Formula One GP, Bathurst, Gold Coast Indi, Australian Moto GP, Sydney to Hobart, and the World Netball Championships.

With Mark you get a highly professional, humorous, fast thinking and entertaining asset for your corporate event.

Mark is also an ambassador for a number of charities and organisations. He is particularly passionate about helping fight depression and addiction and works closely with The South Australian Mental Health Commission.

Shane Drumgold

Speaker

Shane Drumgold grew up in the public housing estate of Mt Druitt in the Sydney’s outer Western suburbs known for the SBS series “struggle street.” His father suffered from severe mental illness and drug addiction for his entire life and was the victim of suicide at 52 years of age. Shane’s younger brother also lives in supported NDIS accommodation due to an acquired brain injury following a suicide attempt. As a result of his experience, Shane suffered a deterioration in own mental health, and dropped out of school at 15. Shane developed sufficient coping strategies, such that by his mid-20s, he was admitted to university, and over the years that followed, he completed a Bachelor of Economics, Bachelor of Laws (Hons), and a Masters of International Law. He started working as a criminal lawyer in 2002 and as his career excelled, such that in 2018, he was appointed Director of Public Prosecutions for the ACT. The same year, he was appointed Senior Counsel (Silk), and selected to deliver the Silks speech before the judges of the High Court on behalf of all Silks.

In 2022, Shane was required to prosecute a controversial rape allegation that occurred in a Federal Government Ministers Office, that required him to challenge the evidence of two Federal Government Ministers. Following the aborted trial, Shane was subjected to a sustained attack by a powerful media organisation sympathetic to the political party involved. The media organisation was well known for such attacks, and two former Prime Ministers had called for a Royal Commission into such behaviour by this particular media organisation, and a resulting petition received over half a million signatures. In 2023 the Green party introduced a Bill into Federal Parliament that unsuccessfully attempted to trigger the Royal Commission.

In 2023 the ACT Government established a Board of Inquiry into the Parliament House trial, and it was later revealed in a challenge to the findings that the Chair of the Inquiry had engaged in extensive communication and exchanged numerous materials with reporters from the same media organisation that had been attacking him, personally leaking important material including several draft copies of the final report that resulted in extensive saturation media articles on purported adverse findings, and Shane was forced to resign from his position.

A subsequent court proceeding found that all of the findings were the result of apprehended bias and invalid due to a combination of the sustained attack by the media organisation and the extensive engagement between the Chair of the Board of Inquiry and that media organisation. By that stage however, Shane’s 25-year career in the law had been destroyed. Then just as he was rebuilding a life in academia, the same media outlet resumed their attack, that caused his subsequent career to also end prematurely. To date, there have been more than 100 articles personally attacking him, and he is still regularly attacked in articles published by the media outlet. During this period, Shane again experienced a severe mental health crisis and found himself isolated and withdrawn from society and was ultimately saved by the same coping mechanisms that had saved him over 40 years earlier.

Jason McGrice

Speaker

Spiritually connected from a young age, it was Jason’s embodiment of spiritual practices and meditation that plucked him from the depths of anxiety and depression in his early 20’s. This healing process impacted him profoundly and formed the catalyst of his commitment to help men and women heal their old wounds and reach for the best version of themselves by finding their truth within.

His unique spiritual approach remains highly relatable and dives to the depths of pain and trauma all whilst being held within a very safe container. This gift has generated a worldwide community of meditator’s, with millions of listeners connecting to his guidance on the popular meditation app ‘Insight Timer’. His highly successful single ‘Morning Ritual’ has inspired a movement of peace seekers waking up to his meditations every single morning.

Jason is passionate about raising the consciousness of the globe and finds himself at home facilitating group healing’s and mass meditation sessions where a collective intention can be cultivated to create seismic leaps toward fundamental societal change.

Now with over 18 years’ experience with Reiki pumping through his blood, he is in constant refinement of his gifts and offerings with being a conduit of universal energy and passionately shares his skills to serve as a true lightworker.

Nik Maines

Speaker

Introducing Nik Maine, a resilient soul with a story that defies the odds and embodies the power of perseverance and compassion. Nik’s journey began with adversity, being adopted as a child and grappling with mental health challenges throughout his life, compounded by the adoption syndrome shared with his three siblings.

Despite the hurdles, Nik carved a path in the world of construction, starting as a plumbing apprentice and later becoming the youngest welder at a South Australian gas company. But fate had more challenges in store, with industrial accidents leaving him scarred physically and emotionally. From severe burns to a fractured spine, Nik faced each trial with courage, even battling depression amidst a backdrop of workplace tragedies, witnessing the worst, Nik turned to a motorcycle club for over 7 years, never fully committing to the group. But adversity only fuelled Nik’s resolve to make a difference. He became a union representative, fighting for the rights of his fellow workers. However, it was his role as a suicide prevention officer that truly showcased his heart of gold, saving multiple lives and embodying the essence of compassion.

Nik’s indomitable spirit faced its ultimate test when diagnosed with stage 4 tongue and throat cancer, not once but twice. Given months to live, he defied the odds through tough treatments and surgeries, emerging with a newfound purpose. Adopting Arlo and Narla as service dogs, Nik found healing in their companionship and now spreads joy as a community ambassador, bringing light to hospital wards and beyond. Today, Nik’s journey is one of resilience, redemption, and relentless giving. Through his experiences, he imparts invaluable lessons on the power of community, the healing bond between humans and animals, and the importance of giving back. With his honesty and candour, Nik Maine stands as an example of the human spirit’s capacity to overcome struggles and emerge stronger, more compassionate, and ever-ready to make a difference.

Colin Kavooris

Speaker

Colin Kavooris had run away from home twelve times at the age of twelve; each time being sent back to the “wicked stepmother” by his mother. He endured physical and emotional abuse on a regular basis, as his father worked away, from his stepmother who would constantly state: “You’re dumb, stupid and no-one loves you.”

“The turning point for me was when Mr Fitzgerald, my second-year class teacher, showed belief in me. I suffer from “delayed intelligence” so it takes the same negative occurrence to repeat itself before I learn to modify my behaviour.”

A suicide attempt, two failed marriages and several stints at the Adelaide Psychiatric Clinic was the journey Colin was to travel. His mantra is: “Salvage the learning from every experience; even the bitter ones.”

Colin found an avenue of release from anxiety and depression in physical endeavours. He is a black belt 1st. Dan in Judo, having trained for ten years. He holds a second dan black belt in Tae Kwo Do where he trained for thirteen years. He also enjoyed being part of a Chinese Dragen Boat Racing team that held both state and national titles.

Colin’s personal creed is: “To contribute to the quality of the lives of the people I interact with through the provision of principle-based lessons offered via training, facilitation and coaching.” He has worked across the energy, manufacturing and primary industry sectors influencing change and continuous improvement with considerable success. Retired, his time is spent caring for his ailing wife, listening to “good” music, reading academic papers on leadership and change and walking Sophie (their West Highland Terrier).

Brian's Journey

Director

Brian Njuguna, our esteemed director, stands as a testament to the transformative power of empathy and understanding in the realm of mental health advocacy. After witnessing the profound impact of mental health challenges within his community and among peers, Brian made a bold career shift from law to mental health. His dedication to fostering a deeper understanding of mental health dynamics and providing compassionate support drove this transition.

With an extensive background in law, Brian’s unique expertise in legal frameworks enriches his approach to mental health advocacy, allowing him to navigate complex regulatory environments and advocate effectively for systemic changes. His legal acumen and a heartfelt commitment to mental wellness position him as a crucial leader at BCOGNITIVE.

Under Brian’s guidance, BCOGNITIVE is propelled by a mission to bridge critical gaps in mental health services. His leadership is instrumental in pioneering innovative and inclusive mental health solutions that cater not only to those directly affected by mental health issues but also to the broader community. Brian’s vision ensures that our programs are effective, empathetic, culturally competent, and deeply respectful of the individuals we serve.

As a director, Brian’s influence extends beyond organisational management. He is a mentor and role model, inspiring our team through his dedication and personal investment in mental health. His journey from a successful legal career to a passionate mental health advocate illustrates the powerful impact of shifting one’s path in response to the community’s needs. At BCOGNITIVE, we are proud to follow in his footsteps, striving daily to embody the values of empathy, understanding, and resilience he champions.