Hamish & Andy Launch Movember’s MAYEIGHT!! Campaign

A graffiti mural of Australia’s comedy duo, Hamish Blake and Andy Lee, has sprung up overnight in Melbourne’s iconic Hosier Lane in celebration of MAYEIGHT!! – the date to catch up with a mate.
The artwork, which was created by street artist Ling and took 17 hours to complete, was commissioned by men’s health charity the Movember Foundation to celebrate the launch of their fourth annual MAYEIGHT!! (May 8, maaaate) campaign.
MAYEIGHT!! encourages Aussie men to use the date to catch up with a mate in order to tackle social isolation and improve mental health among men.
This year Movember is urging guys to take their mateship to the next level, with these three simple steps: Step Up. Catch Up. Speak Up.
A Movember Foundation spokesperson said: “We chose to celebrate Hamish & Andy this MAYEIGHT!! as two of Australia’s most iconic mates.
“Their mateship that has endured the public spotlight for more than 16 years, they’ve been there for each other through thick and thin and are obviously very comfortable and open in their mateship – not all mates could hang out with their Pants-Off every Friday.
“This is the kind of mateship we’d encourage all guys to nurture, and they can start this May 8 with a simple conversation.”
Ling said: “I’ve had mates that have gone through tough times and I’m becoming increasingly aware of being mindful of that.
“Often times when I’ve had mates go through tough times, they just haven’t had the confidence to bring it up themselves.
“For me, it’s about just checking in and having those open conversations.
“It’s often just that the right conversation hasn’t been had or the right question hasn’t been asked.”
Ling continued: “This is very much an issue in the creative space, something which I’ve seen amongst much of the community.
“They go through a tough time and they don’t reach out. Basically, if you think they’re a little off, take the time to actually ask if they’re doing okay and check in with them.”
The Movember research study
The study, which coincides with the launch of the Movember Foundation’s fourth annual MAYEIGHT!!
campaign, also revealed around half of the 500 men surveyed wanted to spend more time with their current mates, while one third said they hadn’t made any new close mates in the past two years.
Movember Foundation global director of mental health & suicide prevention, Brendan Maher said: “It’s not just older men who are at risk of becoming socially isolated or lonely.
“Even young men – who on the surface may appear to be more connected – can struggle to maintain relationships with their mates.”
By encouraging blokes to take part in an official day of mateship on Wednesday, May 8, Movember’s
MAYEIGHT!! campaign aims to tackle social isolation and improve mental health among Aussie men.
Maher added: “There’s a high chance you have a mate who is feeling lonely or isolated but isn’t letting on that he’s struggling.
“This May 8, we’re urging men to step up, put some solid plans in the diary and set themselves the challenge of talking about the stuff that really matters with a mate.
“It’s a great excuse to reconnect with an old mate and can work wonders to strengthen your friendship with a potential new mate.”
The study also highlighted that men most needed the support of their mates while going through a mental or physical health issue (27 per cent).
This was followed by major life changes like the breakdown of a relationship (21 per cent), losing a loved one (9 per cent), losing their job (8 per cent) or becoming a dad (6 per cent).
Men aged 25-44 were most likely to need support from their mates during a breakup.
Maher explained: “Pressure points in men’s lives can have a flow-on effect to their social lives.
“This can include big changes like going through a breakup or becoming a dad, where you shoulder more family responsibilities and have less time for your mates.
“Going through these changes can be tough for guys, particularly as they tend to bond and connect over shared experiences and activities such as watching a sports match or going to a gig.”
Maher continued: “Making time for these ‘shoulder to shoulder’ activities is crucial, not just on May 8 but year-round.
“Taking part in an activity with a mate, rather than a ‘face to face’ catch up allows guys to feel more
comfortable, meaning they’re more likely to open up and have a meaningful conversation.”
In addition, the research found 37 per cent of men would turn to their partner if they were going through a
tough time, while around 26 per cent would rely on a mate and 15 per cent would turn to a family member.
Men were also more likely to rely on a partner as they got older, with 50 per cent of men aged 35-44 nominating their partner as their main support.
Maher said that while partners were often a reliable source of support, it was vital that men establish support networks outside of their relationship – particularly when life events like divorce, relationship breakdown or the loss of a loved one had the potential to leave them socially isolated.
Latest News

ghd Appoints GrowthOps Digital As Digital Marketing Partner
Global hair styling brand, ghd has today announced the appointment of GrowthOps Digital as its digital marketing partner.

Prahran Market Announces Masterchef Grand Finalist Simon Toohey As ‘Sustainable Simon’
Prahran Market is excited to announce Simon Toohey as the Market’s new sustainability guru ‘Sustainable Simon’

Xandr Shares Comprehensive Approach To Identity
Xandr today shared insight into its multi-faceted approach to identity solutions, to facilitate high-value transactions for buyers and sellers following the deprecation of third-party cookies and device IDs.

Bolster Group Launches Regional Tour ‘Small Town Big Sound’, For The Transport Accident Commission’s Vanessa
A nod to the colourful, late 70’s Aussie pub rock scene, Bolster Group has created the Small Town Big Sound campaign; collecting a handful of the nation’s locally adored bands to tour regional Victoria in the latest campaign for TAC’s Vanessa.

When It Comes Brand Building, Less Isn’t Always More
In this guest post, Hulsbosch’s creative director Marcel Wijnen, casts his design eye over what truly makes a brand and says it’s all about being true and essential… To do simple – and to be original – is a truly tough task. Not impossible, but not easy. Naturally, we can get lost in ‘striving for simplicity’ […]

Seven Victorian Charities Join Forces To Light Up Thousands Of Lives With ‘Power Up’ 2021 Campaign
Seven Victorian charities are uniting for a month-long virtual fundraising challenge - Power Up 2021 - between 28th February and 28th March. There’s no denying that 2020 affected everyone, but small charities experienced a huge drop in much needed donations and it is hoped the Power Up campaign will bring fundraising back to life.

South Australian Supermarket Chain Foodland Launches ‘Mighty’ New Campaign, Via KWP!
South Australia’s largest independent supermarket chain, Foodland – with its unforgettable jingle “Foodland, the mighty South Aussies, yeah” – will launch a new campaign on 7th March. The campaign coincides with the chain’s $251m expansion program to open twenty-five new stores, revamp fourty-seven and create 2,500 new jobs over the next five years. Agency KWP! […]

AFG Launches Brand Refresh From The Works Ahead Of Tech Launches
Ahead of major new technology launches, AFG (Australian Finance Group) has unveiled a new brand design, logo and campaign created by The Works.

Client Retentions Boost Carat’s Billings And Solidify Growth
Jim Groves, Managing Director of Carat Perth, announced today a significant growth period for the agency with the retention of three existing clients.

Julie Bishop, Thelma Plum And More: Klarna’s First Aussie Smoooth Session
A-listers turned out to Klarna's Sydney party last night. It did move significantly down the alphabet on B&T's arrival.

The Future Of Post-Pandemic Advertising Or Plain Gross? People Are Freaking Out Over This Racy Menswear Campaign
B&T warns this contains imagery of attractive people in various states of undress. And by "warn" we mean "encourage".

A Win For Privacy Or For Google? Ad Tech Industry Weighs In On Tracking Changes
Here, B&T asks "a win for privacy or for Google?" & you'd pick the splinters out of our arse such was the fence-sitting.

72andSunny Announce New Narratives: Mapping Modern Masculinity Event
72andSunny announces plans for a masculinity event, adding it's not compulsory to do donuts in a ute before attending.

Government Supports ‘Buy Aussie Now’ Marketplace With ‘Tick Of Approval’ For Australian Businesses
B&T always looks to buy Australian, except that is when it comes to sombreros, Shih Tzus or plundered Inca ruins.

Co-Founder Of Eyeota Returns As Head of Brand Solutions AU/NZ
Eyeota, the leading audience technology platform enabling the intelligent use of data, today announced its co-founder, Trent Lloyd, has been appointed Head of Brand Solutions, Australia/New Zealand.

Muval Launches First Broadcast And Digital Advertising Campaign, Targeting ‘Relocation Of The Nation’
Muval is an online booking platform for removalists, despite sounding like a psyllium fibre supplement for constipation.

The Indie Recipe: A Dash Of Agility And A Spoonful Of Adaptation
Here's the recipe for indie agency success! Sadly it doesn't go so far as tips on stealing your competitor's clients.

Clems Melbourne Launches New Content Division
Judging by the press photo, Clems content division enjoy a laugh. Unless they're learning of a colleague's termination?

The Wiggles Mash-Up Tame Impala’s ‘Elephant’ With Iconic Hit ‘Fruit Salad’ For Triple J
The Wiggles have done triple J's 'Like A Version' and, thankfully, no one had a bout of narcolepsy or a heart attack.

Yes, You Can Now Buy Cadbury Creme Egg-Flavoured Beer!
The hot cross bun said to be the ideal accompaniment to Cadbury Creme Egg beer. Followed by a trip to Weight Watchers.

WPP Snares Facebook’s Dave Rolfe For Global Head Of Production Role
Dave Rolfe named WPP's global head of production while confirming he's no relation to convicted sex pest Rolf Harris.

Thursday TV Wrap: Gogglebox Numbers Continue To Climb
With MAFS on hiatus, it was a Steven Bradbury sprint to the line for the networks last night. Sans the silly helmets.

Australian Community News Launches Travel Website
Clearly having not read a newspaper in the past 12 months, Australian Community News announces plans for travel website.

Moccona Launches New “Me-Time” Brand Platform, Via Edge
Moccona's the premium instant coffee of choice at the B&T office. Even if we do refill the jar with International Roast.

Network 10 And Nickelodeon International Partner For First-Time With Live Action Series
Dreading the fast-approaching school holidays? This may be of interest or even a bulk purchase at Dan Murphys.

Introducing The Zavy Social Scoreboard
Get yourself acquainted with the Zavy Social Scoreboard here. Why not mix a martini for added mood and intimacy.

Study: 81% Of Creatives Say COVID’s Hit Their Earnings, 40% Saying It’s More Than Halved
In lieu of the AstraZeneca vaccine, B&T's warding off the pandemic with a Vick's Vapor Rub & a Johnnie Walker & honey.

Priceline Pharmacy Celebrates Every Day Being A Festival of You, Via Whippet
Priceline celebrates the 'festival of you' in latest campaign. Particularly if you stink, itch, secrete or blister.

Foxtel Media Unveils Four New Digitally Enabled Cient Offerings
Miss the Foxtel Group 2021 Showcase yesterday? Watch a video replay of it in full here while pausing for toilet breaks.

“The Free And Open Internet Is A Force For Good”: Quantcast Reveals New Intelligent Audience Platform
On Thursday, Quantcast held their Virtual NOVA event, discussing the current state of the advertising industry, the end of third-party cookies, the open internet vs walled gardens, and data privacy and consent. The event coincided with the launch of their new Quantcast Platform. It is an intelligent audience platform powered by the company’s patented AI […]