Date: TUESDAY, 28th April 2026
Where: 8-10 Electra St, Williamstown
Time: 7.30 pm (Refreshments FIRST – then the Discussion/Sharing/Message – will follow)
Speaker: George Petrou OAM
Theme: “The Art of Sacrifice.”
George Petrou is a successful graphic designer and acclaimed portrait artist. The subjects of his portraits are Australian men and women who have served our country with honour and sacrifice.
In June 2020, George was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for ‘Services to the Visual Arts and to Veterans.‘ The Order of Australia Medal is a prestigious honour recognising Australian citizens for outstanding achievement and service.
George is also a patron for TPI Victoria Inc (Total & Permanent Disability). His portraits proudly hang in museums in France, Government House NSW, and a range of military institutions across Australia.
George’s book, The Art of Sacrifice, is a haunting and poignant product born out of a transformative period in his life.
George will bring some very interesting stories and facts about his commitment to honouring the service of many of Australia’s military personnel. He will also speak about how this commitment helped him get through his own personal challenges of chemotherapy. George’s work has touched thousands across Australia.
The Art Of Sacrifice” is one of his books, the other one is “The Art Of Humanity“… which he shared with us last year.
Date: TUESDAY, 14th April 2026
Where: 8-10 Electra St, Williamstown
Time: 7.30 pm (Refreshments FIRST – then the Discussion/Sharing/Message – will follow)
Speaker: Cameron (Cam) Butler
Theme: “God Is In The Coaches Box.”
Cameron was invited by the Melbourne Football Club and its Coach Neale Daniher to serve as their Senior Club Chaplain.
He served there for over 15 years, providing volunteer pastoral care to players, staff, coaches, executives, board members & fans alike.
During that time, he was also appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sports & Leisure Ministries, and oversaw incredible growth from a handful of chaplains to over 800 who are now in the AFL, NRL, AIS, V8 Super cars, CAMS, Horse Racing, & FFA. They changed the name to Sports Chaplaincy Australia. He assisted in the rapid growth of Sports Chaplaincy throughout Asia, UK and the USA.
Today, Cameron is Founding Director & creator of Urbanrevs, serves and consults on various Boards, and is the Founding Member and Vice Chair of the International Sports Chaplaincy Federation.
Cameron is passionate.
Date: TUESDAY, 31st March 2026
Where: 8-10 Electra St, Williamstown
Time: 7.30 pm (Refreshments FIRST – then the Discussion/Sharing/Message – will follow)
Speaker: Ian Traill
Theme: “My Life Story”
The good-looking bloke above is Dr Ian Traill. Ian was a missionary in China for many years, and has returned to Australia and settled in Portland, Victoria.
He ministered as a missionary to China for over 18 years. Prior to that, he planted a church in Daylesford, Victoria, Australia.
Ian was also one of Australia’s greatest powerlifters in the ’80s, representing Australia in the Commonwealth Games and World Games.
Ian has written many “Christian Faith-Based” books and has been an encourager to many, as well as a church planter here and abroad.
He is “very” busy renovating his house and showing us his multiple skillsets. Ian was a secondary school teacher and has an engineering background.
Ian has spoken at our men’s group several times over the years.
He will share his Life Story with us! Without giving anything away, it will “blow your socks off”.”
Date: TUESDAY, 17th March 2026
Where: 8-10 Electra St, Williamstown
Time: 7.30 pm (Refreshments FIRST – then the Discussion/Sharing/Message – will follow)
Speaker: Paul Withall
Theme: “ZERO Male Suicide”
Paul Withall works for a circus. However, his greater passion is no circus performance.
Paul is a courageous bloke — one of a kind!
For the past few years, on 19 November, which is International Men’s Day, he and his committed troupe have laid out 2500 shoes on Parliament House lawn in Canberra.
Each shoe forcefully represents the life of a man or boy lost, and is Australia’s largest visual display of its kind.
Paul staunchly believes that we need a Federal Men’s Health and Wellbeing Minister to address Australia’s growing epidemic of male suicide, which is now the leading cause of death in males aged 15-50.
Zero male suicide is where Paul’s heart truly lies.
He now goes around Australia, bringing awareness of this tragedy to local communities.
Date: TUESDAY, 3rd March 2026
Where: 8-10 Electra St, Williamstown
Time: 7.30 pm (Refreshments FIRST – then the Discussion/Sharing/Message – will follow)
Speaker: Niv Neyland
Theme: “The Top 5 Traits Men Need”
Niv is a retired Safety Consultant by profession.
He is a former member of Prison Fellowship State Council; Inaugural Chair of Friends of Dismas church for prison ex-inmates;
Niv is also the Secretary of Men’s Support Mission; A former prison inmate; and has facilitated courses in two maximum-security prisons.
Niv has also written a book about his prison experience, called “Finding Myself Inside.” The book has a strong focus on forgiveness.
Niv and his wife Heather live happily in Sydenham Victoria. (Niv is also a Collingwood fan – “and expecting miracles for 2026!”
NEXT TUESDAY’S MSM MEETING ……….. 7.00pm
First Meeting for 2026……….. And bring a mate!
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Date: TUESDAY 17th February 2026
Where: SAUSAGE SIZZLE….. at the Williamstown Beach BBQ’s –
Next to the “Rotunda In Williamstown” – The Esplanade Williamstown
Note: If it’s raining – We’ll be meeting at the back of the church – 8 Electra St Williamstown
Also, bring a jacket and a foldup chair, as it may be a “wee chilly”.
Time: 7.00pm (Refreshments Included) – Then a short “Reflection on 2025 and moving onto 2026″ – will follow)
Speaker: Nick Holod
Theme: “Good To Be Back”
Nick is a local western suburbs man from Williamstown. He has played both footy and cricket for Williamstown and captain & coached various cricket teams in the west & north suburbs of Melbourne.
He is married to Sophie and they have 3 grown children, 3 grandchildren (and one on the way). Nick worked in the Disability Employment sector for some time.
He is also Pastor of the Williamstown Gospel Mission Church and in Leadership at the Men’s Support Mission.
Nick has always embodied a “never give up” attitude throughout his schooling, sporting achievements and in supporting communities, including many years a volunteer with Prison Fellowship, visiting and running programs in prisons.
Nick has also been a Volunteer Chaplain with the VCC (Vic Council of Churches) Emergency Ministries, which is an organisation specialising in disaster response in Victoria.
Nick has a passion for helping people and getting the best out of them, and has shared his faith locally, interstate, overseas, and continues to do this where and when he can.
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If you’d like to donate, feel free to deposit online to the Mens Support Mission Account;
Commonwealth Bank
“Men’s Support Mission”
BSB. 063-765
ACCOUNT NO. 1078 6889
FINAL MEETING For 2025….Date: TUESDAY 11th November 2025 –
PLEASE NOTE: This will be a joint venture with the Ladies Fellowship. Therefore, Ladies and Families are invited to this event.
Where: 8-10 Electra St, Williamstown
Time: 6.45 pm (BBQ FIRST – Then the Music & Short Reflection – will follow)
PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE PLACED YOUR BOOKING FOR THIS EVENT ASAP – FOR CATERING PURPOSES.
Special Guest Speaker: Mark Bateman (National Director, Rapid Response Ministries)
THEME: “Mastering Your Circumstances”
Mark Bateman is the National Director of Rapid Response Ministries. Mark is Hubby to Barby, Dad to John, Tasman and Denae, and Granddad to seven grandchildren.
Mark Bateman is the son of a Minister; he grew up with his family in South Australia, where his father ministered to our Indigenous Australians.
He has over 30 years of experience in pastoral ministry, critical incident/disaster response, suicide negotiation and he founded and pastored several Churches in South Australia, Western Australia and Victoria.
Mark is a Chaplain to Motorsports at Phillip Island, Sandown International Raceway, Winton, Avalon and Rolling Thunder Speedway. He is also a “Rev-Head”… and knows and loves his cars!!
Mark always brings an exciting theme to us.
We are looking forward to Mark’s “reflection” on Christmas and hope. A night of great encouragement.
Date: TUESDAY, 28th October 2025
Where: 8-10 Electra St, Williamstown
Time: 7.30 pm (Refreshments FIRST – then the Discussion/Sharing/Message – will follow)
Speaker: Nick Holod
Theme: “Looking Back at 2025”
Nick is a local Western Suburbs man from Williamstown. He has played both footy and cricket for Williamstown and captained & coached various cricket teams in the west & north suburbs of Melbourne.
He is married to Sophie and they have 3 grown children, 3 grandchildren. Nick works in the Disability Employment sector.
He is also Pastor of the Williamstown Gospel Mission Church and in Leadership of the Men’s Support Mission.
Nick has always embodied a “never give up” attitude throughout his schooling, sporting achievements & in supporting communities, including many years as a volunteer with Prison Fellowship, where he visited and ran programs in prisons.
Nick has also been a Volunteer Chaplain with the VCC (Vic Council of Churches) Emergency Ministries, which is an organisation specialising in disaster response in Victoria.
Nick has a passion for helping people and bringing out the best in them, and has shared his faith locally, interstate, and overseas, continuing to do so where and when he can.
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And don’t forget Our Popular Segments….
1) “Better to get it off your chest – Before you NICK-off tonight” 2) “If ya CAN, bring a CAN” (A can of food, that is. This goes towards helping others)
If you’d like to donate, feel free to make an online deposit to the Men’s Support Mission Account.
Commonwealth Bank
“Men’s Support Mission”
BSB. 063-765
ACCOUNT NO. 1078 6889
Date: TUESDAY, 14th October 2025
Where: 8-10 Electra St, Williamstown
Time: 7.30 pm (Refreshments FIRST – then the Discussion/Sharing/Message – will follow)
Speaker: Paul Lassig
Theme: “A Father’s Welcome Home”
Paul is the son of a Pastor and the grandson of a World War II veteran.
Paul has served 16 years with the Air Force, and he appreciates both the honour and the challenges that come with a service life.
This meeting explores the story of the Prodigal Son and how we need to heal as he did and become true sons, getting to know Jesus better.
Paul will also be looking at how we reach those people who aren’t turning toward home like the prodigal son.
Maybe they’ve never experienced what a great home is like. Maybe they can’t comprehend that the Father is longing for them.
I encourage you to attend tonight, as Paul has a few stories that he’ll share and build into a real-life, home-hitting testimonial night.
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And don’t forget Our Popular Segments….
1) “Better to get it off your chest – Before you NICK-off tonight” 2) “If ya CAN, bring a CAN” (A can of food, that is. This goes towards helping others)
If you’d like to donate, feel free to make an online deposit to the Men’s Support Mission Account.
Commonwealth Bank
“Men’s Support Mission”
BSB. 063-765
ACCOUNT NO. 1078 6889
Date: TUESDAY, 30th September 2025
Where: 8-10 Electra St, Williamstown
Time: 7.30 pm (Refreshments FIRST – then the Discussion/Sharing/Message – will follow)
Speaker: Richard Boonstra (State Manager, Prison Fellowship Victoria)
Theme: “Sharing an update on Prison Fellowship Victoria”
Richard is passionate about reaching people in prison with the hope of the Gospel that he has discovered himself and loves to help people see themselves as God sees them, loved and valued as human beings.
A teacher and principal in Christian Schools in Victoria and WA for 34 years, Richard helped establish and grow a Christian school in Bairnsdale, East Gippsland. He has always been passionate about distinctively Christian education and helping people to think Christianly.
His passion for reaching people in prison began in 1984 when he joined Prison Fellowship as a volunteer in Perth, WA, visiting men in Fremantle Gaol. He volunteered for five years, going into Freo Gaol most Saturday afternoons. He soon realised that this was what God was calling him to do, and his passion for it grew.
In 2018, he finished his teaching career and started working with Prison Fellowship Australia, becoming the Victorian State Manager in July 2021.
He is married to Jenny with four children and nine grandchildren.
Richard shares that we are not defined by where we are or what we have done but by the fact that we are made in God’s image, inherently valuable and fully worthy of Jesus’ love and sacrifice.
I encourage all to bring a friend to come along and hear Richard share…. and update us with what is happening in the “prison world”, especially in Victoria.
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And don’t forget Our Popular Segments….
1) “Better to get it off your chest – Before you NICK-off tonight” 2) “If ya CAN, bring a CAN” (A can of food, that is. This goes towards helping others)
If you’d like to donate, feel free to make an online deposit to the Men’s Support Mission Account.
Commonwealth Bank
“Men’s Support Mission”
BSB. 063-765
ACCOUNT NO. 1078 6889