A blokes’ social group run by Phillip Island Baptist Church members is reducing loneliness and isolation by providing a sense of community amongst the locals as they explore Trades, Tools and Tricks together.

The group, known as T3, was started by previous pastor Craig Semple, who saw the need several years ago to get local guys together for fellowship and mutual support, as well as to experience some of Phillip Island’s amazing array of talented people. Craig hoped the group would help reduce the higher-than-average rate of suicide in the region – which has lowered over recent years.

After Craig left, Victorian Ambulance Service local manager Mal McCann continued T3 until three years ago, when retired electrical engineer David Peck took the helm.

T3 aims to meet once a month for a barbecue, donut and chat at Barrie’s Shed (named after former church deacon Barrie Foreman), followed by a visit to a local organisation, or hearing a guest speaker at the church. The group also occasionally runs men’s breakfasts.

David said meeting together had many practical, psychological and physical benefits. “I see people coming along who have a more positive outlook than they might have done when they first started. Over time we get to know each other and open up more, and that has a positive influence. We compare notes and hear about things through conversation that we wouldn’t otherwise know if we hadn’t gone to the group.”

Caring and supporting others by getting together is close to David’s heart, as his son suicided several years ago. “I share the passion that Craig had – that’s very personal to me and I agree with that philosophy of catching up with people. I just enjoy the opportunity of getting everyone together, and they all seem to love doing it. Mal always used to close our gatherings by telling us not to forget to catch up with someone, to give them a ring and have a coffee. Some of the fellows are single or are not as mobile as others, so getting out to something like this is really good to do.”

A plethora of topics have been covered, such as Mat Bowtell’s Free 3D Hands (production of 3D printed assistive devices for children with upper limb differences); Phil Dressing’s story of his father’s voyage to Australia aboard the infamous Dunera; mental health tips with former Airforce and Army Reserve psychologist Libby Thompson; and Danny Hunt’s role in walking alongside Indigenous leaders in remote areas of the Northern Territory.

David said the different presenters had opened opportunities to talk about many things that are often socially taboo. “We have people come and talk about mental health and wellbeing; about issues people might face as they get older; about men’s health – these are not things guys tend to get together and talk about easily! But with a speaker telling you about things, it’s amazing the interest you get and the questions that arise.”

Between 15-40 guys attend regularly, aged from teens to men in their 80s, while around 160 people continue to be on the mailing list. The purpose of the group is to ensure that God’s love, kindness and grace is shown to the men of Phillip Island Baptist Church and the broader male Coastal community, through intentional discipleship. Although only about half the group are church members, many faith discussions have taken place and several people have started coming to church after joining the group.

To start a group like T3, David recommends including some simple food, and interesting speakers that people will enjoy. T3 advertised within the church and it grew naturally as people invited friends and neighbours along. Events are promoted on the church website and via email.