Community
16 October, 2025
New International Men's Day president happy to step up
This year's event has attracted record levels of sponsorship from the Mount Isa community.
Mount Isa International Men’s Day president Shane Matthews says it’s an “absolute privilege” to be leading the committee organising Saturday night’s event, which has drawn record levels of sponsorship.
“I’m just carrying on the good work from Tonka,” Shane said of replacing stalwart Tonka Toholke, who relocated to Perth with his wife Ranita earlier this year.
“We’ve ended up with a bigger committee and we’ve got a lot of support – our sponsorship is at record numbers.
“It’s a testament to the Mount Isa community spirit. The town has been a bit down, but the amount of sponsors who have dug deep and supported us has been amazing.”
Matthews has been living in the Outback city for more than four decades.
“Our family is all local to this area. We’ve owned businesses out here through Matthews Retrovision back in the 70s, and we’ve had Matthews Electrical … I’ve owned the gym out here,” the president explained.
“I work at the courthouse now with youth justice. I love the space of mental health and men's wellbeing, especially with the youth that I work with and the families that I work with.
“So I'm very passionate about building that up. And that's the root cause of International Men's Day – it’s about promoting men's wellbeing.
“I get the privilege of doing that through my work and now, being able to do this (International Men’s Day).
“When Tonka says he’s leaving and I put my hand up, I didn't expect to be the president!
“I thought I was just going to come move some tables and sell some tickets. I was like, ‘yeah, I'll help out, brother’.
"Next minute, boom! But look, it's an honour to be doing it and to carry on the great work that Tonka and Ranita have done, and keep it going and to build on what they've done in previous years.”
Shane said Saturday night’s event, to be held at Buchanan Park, would be bigger than ever before.
“Every cent we make goes directly back into the community, so it's helping with sporting goods, community organisations and just general blokes in town,” he said.
“Then, on top of it, we're recognising some top blokes that go above and beyond.
“Every one of these guys doesn't want to be recognised. They just do it because they're good blokes.”
Comedian Akmal will be the headline performer, and there will also be a demolition derby, goldfish races and a fishing simulator to entertain guests.
Tickets are still on sale and can be purchased online or at the door on the night.
For more information, visit https://mountisainternationalmensday.com.au/