The recent tragic loss of lives after the accident at Norske Skog paper mill has had a devastating ripple effect on members and the wider community, said club stalwart Pete Atkins.

“We have to look out for each other,” Mr Atkins said.

And events such as Friday’s luncheon featuring NRL legend Ian Roberts encourage members, their mates and family to do just that.

The fierce front-rower blazed a trail two decades ago as one of the first rugby league players to reveal he was gay.

Roberts gave a rousing presentation to the 3000-strong crowd at the Albury-Wodonga Winter Solstice event on June 21 and followed it with an equally thought-provoking speech at The Albury Club the following day.

Mr Atkins said the presentation was well-received by the 160 lunch guests.

“These types of speakers help start conversations,” the former club president said.

“I think as a club we have taken giant steps in fostering more open and honest discussions.

“And since events like the winter solstice we are trying a bit harder to really encourage men to look out for each other’s mental health.

“Certainly men are talking more because of it.”

But there was a lot more than just talking over lunch on Friday with the announcement $15,000 had been raised for Survivors of Suicide and Friends.

Generous local businesses contributed $5000 in sponsorship and the Rotary Club of Albury West presented a cheque for $8000 to solstice co-founder Stuart Baker with proceeds from a raffle still to be tallied.

Mr Baker said solstice organisers were touched by the community’s gratitude and “extraordinary” generosity.

He said The Albury Club was becoming a “little hub of men’s wellness” and played a vital role in safeguarding the mental health of a demographic vulnerable to the risks of suicide.

“I have heard that since Ian’s presentation, there have been conversations everywhere,” Mr Baker said.

“It’s fantastic because it’s clear we are becoming a better and more caring community.”

Mr Baker said he put the 2018 winter solstice event “right up there” in terms of the quality of speakers and attentiveness of the crowd.

“One woman said to me yesterday at Noreuil that she goes every year and it’s where she gets to cry,” he said.

“That type of feedback makes me feel a bit teary myself.

“At the end of the day that’s what the winter solstice event is all about.

“It’s a space where people can go and listen and hang out; they can feel the message and feel the community support wrapped all around them.”