Every day in Australia, seven men take their own lives—a stark and heartbreaking reality that demands our attention. But what if something as simple as a morning swim could change that? On Cronulla Beach, in Sydney’s southern suburbs, a group of mates is proving that camaraderie, vulnerability, and a dip in the ocean can be powerful tools in the fight for men’s mental health. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about the swim—it’s about breaking down barriers, one conversation at a time.
As the sun rises, casting a golden glow over the beach, the Cronulla Gropers gather. Led by Jason Dorahy and Lee Murphy, this eclectic group of nearly 280 men—from CEOs to tradies, bus drivers to federal MP Simon Kennedy—strip down to their budgie smugglers and prepare for a chilly plunge. It’s a scene filled with laughter, banter, and a warmth that defies the cold water. But beneath the surface, there’s a deeper purpose: to create a safe space where men can talk, connect, and support each other.
Here’s where it gets controversial: In a world where men are often told to ‘toughen up’ or ‘suck it in,’ this group dares to challenge the stigma. ‘We’re not psychologists,’ Lee admits, ‘but we’re mates.’ And that, they’ve found, is enough. Members share stories of overcoming addiction, depression, and personal crises—struggles that traditional therapy couldn’t fully address. ‘Guys have called me just to say thanks,’ Lee reveals. ‘They’ve been through rehabs, psychologists, and haven’t found the kind of support we offer here.’
The Gropers’ motto? ‘No one gets left behind.’ Whether you’re a ‘tea bagger’ (a quick dip and out), a 200-metre buoy swimmer, or part of the elite A-team tackling the two-kilometre Shark Island swim, there’s a place for everyone. Jason’s dad, John, a former rugby league player, sums it up: ‘It’s about guys with the same goal—feeling good for ourselves and our families.’
But here’s the real question: Can something as simple as a swim club truly replace professional mental health care? Jason, who’s battled separation, redundancy, and major heart surgery, believes it’s about gratitude and connection. ‘When you put on those budgies,’ he says, ‘you’re just another guy, there to support and help.’ Simon Kennedy adds, ‘Being vulnerable is hard for men, but here, it’s okay to talk.’
Former rugby star Jeff Hardy puts it beautifully: ‘It’s about connection—to people, to the group, to family, to country.’ And after the swim, as they warm up with coffee and chat, that connection deepens. ‘Just have a chat,’ Lee urges. ‘No matter how bad it seems, there’s someone here who’ll listen.’
So, is this the solution to the mental health crisis among men? Maybe not entirely, but it’s a start—a powerful reminder that sometimes, all it takes is showing up, being honest, and saying, ‘I’m here for you.’ What do you think? Can simple acts of camaraderie truly make a difference? Share your thoughts below—let’s keep the conversation going.
