The West Gippsland Arts Centre was lit up blue last week in support of men with prostate cancer.
The initiative supported Prostate Cancer Awareness Month which runs throughout September and was driven by Baw Baw Big Blokes Barbecue vice president Dean Addison with the aim to improve local awareness and connect men with support services.
Raising funds for prostate cancer has been a major focus of the Big Blokes Barbecue committee in its 12-year history and Mr Addison urged men and families to seek support.
Prostate cancer is a commonly diagnosed cancer, but Mr Addison said many men and families lacked the support to cope with the diagnosis.
"Our hope is to raise greater awareness of early detection and to connect with men in our community who may need support," he said.
The annual Baw Baw Big Blokes Barbecue will be held next Friday, October 10 at Lardner Park.
Last year's event raised $208,000, taking the total raised by the committee to more than $1.9 million.
The event will be supported by 700 men and will feature a line-up of guest speakers and comedians Lawrence Mooney, Akmal Saleh and Evan Hocking.
Photograph: CRAIG JOHNSON