Organisers of the upcoming Father’s Day car show event are hoping it gives men’s health awareness some much-needed traction.
Local Movember spin-off group the “MO-tor Men” is partnering with Orion Springfield Central for a day full of cars, live music, food stalls, raffles, a silent auction, and more, on Sunday, 4 September, beginning at 10am.
They’re calling it the “Springfield Orion Cars & Chill for Men\’s Health”, and living up to the name a cool selection of roadsters – racing, classic, and unique – will line the middle of the Orion shopping centre along Main Street.
The street will be pedestrian-access only for the day, and is open to everyone, not just dads!
According to MO-tor Men co-founder Mark Winter, the aim is to spread awareness about the risks of prostate and testicular cancer as well as mental health issues, and he believes igniting conversation about such serious subjects is key.
“It’s a celebration of men. It’ll be a good day for the family – a free event for the public – that will hopefully spark some discussion,” Mark said.
“Prostate cancer is actually the biggest cancer-related killer in Australia,” he said.
Proceeds from the event will go towards the Movember Foundation, an Australian charity that promotes proactive strategies for cancer prevention and treatment, most famously through its moustache-growing fundraisers.
According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, shockingly nine Australian men die each and every day from the genetic disease.
Young men are particularly vulnerable to testicular cancer, with around half of diagnoses occurring well before the age of 40, the American Cancer Society reported.
More than three-fifths of men most at risk of developing cancer do not know how to check themselves, according to Movember.
Mark also said that suicide is now the overall biggest killer of men in the country.
The MO-tor Men are involved with Springfield Mo-Men, the official Movember chapter in the region. Founded in 2012, Springfield Mo-Men is celebrating its 10th year supporting Movember, having raised an impressive total of $200,000 up until this year, including over $70,000 in 2021.
“Through events like the Cars & Chill, our goal is to raise $100,000 this year with the support of our great community in Greater Springfield,” Mark added.
Mark also said that the motor show is designed to show support to local car lovers and address the lack of location and opportunity for them to show off their vehicles.
“There’s a few things around Ipswich, but nothing locally,” he said.
“It came out of nowhere,” Mark said, making special mention of the willingness of the shopping centre to get on board.
Jarad Foyle, a real estate business owner and self-proclaimed massive car fanatic, had approached Mark with the idea for the event, and within a fortnight they had locked it in with the shopping centre’s marketing team.
“There isn’t a huge amount of backed events, [but] Orion is making a little home for us. Orion is perfect because it has ample car spaces,” Jarad said.
He added that he and his motorhead friends are hoping to make vehicular events a more consistent presence, noting how often car enthusiast groups are turfed out of local car parks.
“I want it to be something [that] car people can look forward to each month.”
Jarad recently joined the MO-tor Men and is passionate about raising awareness for men’s health. His company Incline Property donated $200 to the group.
“For people who are generally introverted or shy, [the subject of cars] is a great way to get guys to come around and have a discussion… to get men to open up.”
Jarad added, “As a young male, I see friends, family and the community face a lot of adversity [and want] to connect the passion of men’s health and the car community through events held not only by MO-tor Men, but those in the local Springfield and Ipswich corridor.”
TJ’s Detailing, a Brisbane-based automotive detailing company that operates across South East Queensland, also donated $200 to MO-tor Men.
“Keen to be a part of the Springfield Orion Cars & Chill event!” the company said on the MO-tor Men donations webpage.
Jordan MP Charis Mullen recently praised Springfield Mo-Men along with other community organisations like the Springfield Camira Men’s Shed and The Man Walk.
“[It’s] an important reminder to check in on the men in our lives… partners, fathers, co-workers, brothers, and sons,” Ms Mullen said.
“In the Jordan Electorate, we have some terrific groups working tirelessly on supporting the mental health of men in our community.”
The event is free for people to showcase their car, whether basic or super, or anything in between. Participants must register their vehicle with the organisers before driving on-site.
For urgent mental health support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Visit your GP as soon as possible if you think you are at risk of developing cancer.
“Springfield Orion Cars & Chill for Men\’s Health” will be held on Main Street, Springfield Central, on Father’s Day – Sunday, 4 September, from 10am to 3pm. To register your car for display at the event, message the MO-tor Men on Facebook.
