​In Honor of Ryan: A Legacy of Connection Support our mullets to help prevent suicide

​In Honor of Ryan: A Legacy of Connection

​We often speak of a life lost as a single tragedy, but the reality is far more profound. When we lose a man like Ryan, we don't just lose one person; we lose a pillar of our community. Ryan was an incredible father to his two children, a devoted son, a loyal brother, and a man whose friendship was a life-altering gift. To my wife, my children, and myself, he wasn't just a best friend—he was a fixture of our daily lives for 23 years, a man who made the world feel more solid just by being in it.

​The most remarkable thing about Ryan was his reach. He was the cornerstone for so many, possessing the rare ability to leave a lasting impression on a person after meeting them only once. Whether you knew him for a lifetime or a single afternoon, his impact was immediate and undeniable.

​The "Ripple Effect" and the Hard Truth

​When Ryan left us in 2025, it served as a devastating reminder of the "ripple effect." When a man reaches a breaking point, it isn't just his own future that is taken; it is the shared future of his parents, his siblings, his children, and the brothers-in-arms who stood by him.

​There is a hard truth that needs to be voiced: Only men truly understand what men face on a daily basis. We live it every day—the pressure to provide, the instinct to remain stoic, and the false belief that our struggles are a burden. We need to realize that we are never alone, even when the silence feels absolute. Picking up the phone to call a friend or a parent isn't a sign of weakness; it is a profound act of courage.

​Support and Resources: Facing the "Black Dog"

​For those walking this path in the dark, the Black Dog Institute provides specialized resources for men’s mental health. They focus on the unique ways men experience depression and offer evidence-based tools to help manage the "black dog" before the weight becomes too much to carry.

​Whether it is a professional service or a lifelong friend, the support is there. We owe it to ourselves, our families, and to men like Ryan to break the silence.

​If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out:

• ​Lifeline: 13 11 14
• ​Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
• ​Black Dog Institute: Online resources and support tools specifically for men.

​A Final Thought

​Ryan’s legacy is defined by the love and loyalty he gave so freely. By sharing his story, you are helping to ensure that other men realize their irreplaceable value to the people around them.We're growing our mullets this April for Black Dog Institute's Mullets for Mental Health.

1 in 5 Australians experience a mental illness each year. Over 75% of mental health problems occur before the age of 25.

Our mullets and funds raised will help us drive real change and fund ground-breaking mental health research. This will put digital services and education into the hands of people who need it the most.

It would mean a lot to us if you donated to support our mullets.

Together, we can create better mental health for all Australians.