From Boardroom to Men’s Health Buddy

Dr. Mark Pizzacalla has spent much of his professional life quietly supporting colleagues and clients through tough times.

But these conversations often happened behind closed doors - whispered moments of vulnerability in a world that still tells men to “toughen up.”

But, ahead of this Friday’s event with charity group The Male Hug - “Kick a Goal for Mental Health” to be held at the MCG, Mark is speaking out and encouraging men to do the same.

“Unfortunately, around only a third of men seek any form of professional mental health support. Talking is critical and something that men are not good at!” said Mark

“This issue is a deeply personal one.

“From a young age, boys are told not to cry, not to show weakness, that strength means silence.

“But I’ve seen the toll that silence takes. I’ve sat with men at breaking point either in the Boardroom or in my office, who felt like they had no one that they could really talk to.”

It was a pre-COVID conversation with BDO Connect member Tony Rabah that set things in motion.

Tony had observed a troubling gap: while mental health awareness was growing, men, especially professional men, were often excluded from the conversation.

Together, they began shaping what would become The Male Hug.

Now a Board Member and active volunteer for the organisation, Mark plays a hands-on role through The Male Hug’s Buddy Program, offering confidential, one-on-one support to men in need.

The charity provides a space where men can speak openly, free from judgement or stigma.

“A lot of men stick to safe topics - footy, the news, work,” he says.

“But that doesn’t help when someone’s struggling. We need to create an environment where it’s okay to delve deeper and release the struggles that are weighing men down.”

“We’re not trying to fix everything overnight but we are trying to open the door. And sometimes, that’s all it takes.”

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For media enquiries:

Tate Papworth 
Manager, Media 
E: Tate.Papworth@bdo.com.au 
Ph: 0433411189