The annual Tradie Charity Bowls Day recently returned to the Narrandera Bowling Club bringing together local tradies for a day of connection, conversation and good-hearted competition.

The event included a raffle in support of Can Assist Narrandera.

About 90 tradespeople rolled in throughout the day, with about half taking to the greens for a social bowls competition.

The event, built on camaraderie and community, once again highlighted the strong bonds among local tradies, with businesses, volunteers and locals all pitching in to make it a success.

One of the event organisers Nick Brett said it teamed up with PHN Murrumbidgee Health, receiving a small grant to help fund the day under a suicide prevention and mental health awareness initiative.

The partnership supported the event as a genuine grassroots community initiative, which aligned with what Tradie Day was all about.

The 2025 theme, Tough Jobs, Real Talk, featured on merchandise and promotional material, including resource cards and stickers for work vehicles with key mental health contacts – practical reminders tradies can keep close both on the job and at home.

Guest speakers Rhys Cummins and Craig Maxwell from the Murrumbidgee Men’s Group led an open and powerful discussion about mental health, resilience and support, prompting honest conversations across the room about looking out for each other.

“A special thank you to the Clontarf boys, who showed up to support the event, with Matari and Ruben opening the day beautifully with an Acknowledgement of Country,” Nick said.

“Their presence set a positive and respectful tone for the day, reminding everyone of the importance of connection, culture, and community.

“As always, local businesses went above and beyond, donating an incredible range of prizes for the Can Assist raffle.

“While the final total is still being confirmed, organisers are confident this year’s efforts have surpassed last year’s fundraising amount, an ongoing goal that continues to grow the event’s impact.”

Nita and the Can Assist Narrandera team ran the raffle seamlessly, ensuring every ticket and donation went toward helping locals facing cancer.

Another one of the organisers, Noka Prior, was recognised for her tireless work in pulling the day together “from start to finish” each year, while the team from Outdo Brew in the Bowling Club Bistro kept everyone well-fed with their popular catering.

“The day wouldn’t be complete without the steady humour and good vibes from MC Shaun, who kept everyone entertained and the atmosphere light-hearted from start to finish,” Nick said.

“With perfect weather and plenty of laughs, the day wrapped up with the bowls tournament winners, Gary Ingram, Beau Davies, and Xavier Vearing, taking out top honours.”

Nick, one of the driving forces behind Narrandera’s Tradie Day, praised the spirit and support shown by everyone involved in the popular event.

Kate Oram, who said it was an “honour” to be involved in the event,  summed up the mood of the day, saying, “What an honour it is to be involved in Tradie Day. The blood, sweat and tears Nick and Noka put into it really shine through on how much of a great event it is. The atmosphere and great vibes they bring to our tradies is amazing, doing the hard talks, but backing it up with a great day of love and laughs.

“It’s truly something to be admired, making the lives of others better one Tradie Day at a time.” 

Brent Rose added, “The day was really good, the food was delicious. The mental health workers who showed up and shared their stories about depression were really good to listen to and I think a lot of people in the room could relate.”

Nick thanked everyone involved for helping make the charity day a success.