WHY WE STARTED MAY8.
WE’RE THREE MATES WHO WORK IN MARKETING.
SO WHO ARE WE TO START THIS MOVEMENT?
THE REALITY IS, WE’RE LIKE the majority of men in australia who think this is a serious issue but don’t know what to do about it.
WE DECIDED TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR MEN TO KNOW WHAT TO DO TO HELP END GENDER BASED FAMILY & DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN AUSTRALIA.
MAY 8 IS 100% VOLUNTARY. WE ALL GIVE OUR TIME EQUALLY TO HELP MEN TAKE ACTION.
WE’RE NOT EXPERTS IN THIS SPACE, BUT WE’ve consulted with an experienced advisory panel of women who work across the sector.
our aim is to show men how to go from being a bystander to an upstander.
WADE KINGSLEY (BALD GUY) IS THE FOUNDER OF THE IDEAS BUSINESS.
PAUL CHAPPELL (GUY WITH GLASSES) IS THE FOUNDER OF BRAND+STORY.
BEN LUCAS (ROBERT IRWIN LOOKALIKE) IS THE HEAD OF MARKETING AT FOREMIND.
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Co-Founder
Wade is an experienced media and marketing leader with 25+ years experience.
He started ‘The Ideas Business’ in 2017, investing in the creation of ideas that help change the world.
As well as consulting, Wade focuses his work on finding creative solutions to difficult problems and isn’t afraid to tackle prejudice and stereotypes in a creative way.
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CO-FOUNDER
Paul (‘Chappy’) has worked in senior creative and strategy roles in agencies and broadcast networks in Australia and Asia.
He is the Founder and Managing Partner of Brand+Story, a leading brand content consultancy in Australia.
Paul is a Fellow of the Cranala Centre for Ethical Leadership 2025.
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CO-FOUNDER
Ben is a marketing strategist and mental health advocate.
He has a decade of experience working with both large corporations and small startups to help them craft their message and build meaningful connections with their audience.
Alongside his marketing career, Ben is passionate about facilitating mental health and wellbeing programs.
He has a deep interest in the power of human connection and believes that effective communication and a strong sense of community are the keys to building impactful brands and fostering happier, healthier lives.
“WhEN ALL IS SAID AND DONE, MORE IS SAID THAN DONE.”
— NEALE DANIHER AO, AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR
NOW HEAR THIS.
OUR COMMunity service announcement is running on radio stations across australia today. we thank them for their support. PARTICULARLY SEN.
FAQs
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Why Not?
The date made so much sense because it’s memorable which as advertising guys we know is important to get anyone to take action.
We know that this issue can easily get forgotten when it’s not on the homepage of a news website. We don’t want that to happen.
May is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the day before (May 7) is actually Domestic Violence Remembrance Day.
We figure that May 8 is a good day for men to get to work.
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No we aren’t a registered charity but all our activities are volunteer and not-for-profit.
We don’t collect cash donations apart from gift cards that we distribute to Womens Refuge Shelters throughout Australia through our partner card.gift, so women can buy essential items like groceries.
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This issue has many fantastic organisations working towards the same outcome - to eradicate Gender-based violence towards women.
We aren’t affiliated with any one organisation because we want to highlight the many organisations who are with us on this journey.
Over time we will build a list of organisations you can support. For now we recommend you see the 8 Actions you can take today.
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Absolutely. We believe any action is better than inaction. We are launching our efforts today (May 8) but we strongly encourage you to take action on any day.
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Gender-based violence towards women (and families) is a huge concern for all of Australian society.
We aren’t experts in this subject but we do however believe we can create initiatives that ask the 84% of Men who believe it’s a serious issue to do more than they currently are.
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Thanks for your interest - we’d love to talk to you.
Please contact Nick Zonnios from Zonnios & Hunt: nick@zonnioshunt.com.au