General News
15 November, 2025
Stawell Club ‘Caterpillars’ grow awareness for men’s health
A dozen members of the Stawell Club, affectionately known as ‘The Club Caterpillars’, are taking part in Movember, not just to grow moustaches, but to grow awareness around men’s health.
Organised by club members Tub Pulley and former paramedic Ron Lazones, the initiative aims to shine a light on both physical and mental health challenges that many men face, often in silence.
“It was something we did years ago, and I thought it was fun,” Mr Pulley said.
“With all the different age groups in here, and a lot of people getting crook, I thought we should do something again.”
Mr Pulley said the club’s members range in age from their mid-20s to their 80s — and many have faced serious health battles.
“We’ve had people with prostate cancer, bowel cancer, hip replacements and many more illnesses. One guy is away right now getting a replacement done,” he said.
“It’s a reminder that we all need to look after ourselves.”
For Mr Lazones, the cause is deeply personal. Having worked for years as a paramedic, he’s seen firsthand how fragile life and health can be.
“We had one guy in here at the club who had a cardiac arrest,” he recalled.
“I was off duty at the time, but I came in, resuscitated him, and we saved his life.”
Mr Lazones said that while physical health is often discussed, mental health still carries a stigma, something Movember hopes to break down.
“Mental health has always been a taboo subject,” he said.
“People see it as a weakness and prefer to hide it rather than show they’re struggling, which they shouldn’t. The reality is, most people deal with mental health challenges at some point.”
He added that the issue hits close to home in emergency services.
“As a paramedic, I lost too many colleagues to suicide, most of them men. Women tend to not commit, while when men do, then most suicide.”
The Club Caterpillars have already raised over $1,700, but Pulley says it’s not about the total, it’s about the conversation.
“We don’t care what we raise. We’re not putting a figure on it,” he said.
“If people do want to donate, then every member has a Facebook page dedicated to the cause, and we have a small raffle here in the club where people can come in and buy tickets with money going to the cause, and people are more than welcome to come in.
“This is about awareness and having a bit of fun growing a moustache you might not usually grow.”
As Mr Lazones put it, “We all have a father, uncle, brother, son or close friend dealing with their own health issues.”
“Movember is about reminding everyone that it’s okay to talk.”
Read More: Stawell