Michael Judd is living out his purpose shining forward his late daughter Estella’s vivid light and love.
Caring old soul Estella was only eight when she was taken by brain cancer.
In her final hours her dad promised her he would do something great to help others in repayment for the love and support his family had received, and three years on the product of his pledge may well be saving lives.
Michael became the founder of Surf Coast men’s group DIIGG Wellbeing – Doing Imperfect Inner Growth in Groups.
With more than 110 local members it is bringing normal blokes from all walks together to talk, connect, reflect, learn and support each other.
The concept evolved in the months following Estella’s passing, as Michael shared his story with others.
“Catching up, connecting and sharing my story with mates not only helped me, it also helped my mates share their story and with their encouragement I started a men’s group,” Michael said.
“There is always going to be pain losing a child or a loved one but it’s what you do with those lessons and how you respond to life’s questions, as life is a gift and the silver lining can be found by paying it forward and helping other people through their obstacles.
“Estella was a light in our lives, and everyone can shine their light in someone else’s life. That’s basically the purpose behind it all, and it is putting more meaning to her life.”
Michael’s altruistic mission has qualified him as Surf Coast Shire’s latest Local Legend, recognising his positive impact helping men to survive and thrive.
DIIGG Wellbeing provides connection and storytelling for men through a simple format – with monthly Sunday evening sessions at different venues across the Surf Coast featuring a guest speaker and a co-created supportive space for attendees to share life experiences, lessons learnt and some fun along the way.
They also connect via a WhatsApp group.
“It’s basically creating a supportive space, so guys can feel safe to share their stories,” Michael said.
“It’s not church, it’s not AA, it’s not fight club, it’s blokes from all backgrounds blue collar to white collar getting together.
“Not all blokes have got life-changing experiences to share but it’s a great chance for storytelling, and some of the benefits we’ve had out of it…we’ve had guys who have changed their lives.
“Life is asking us all questions, every minute, every hour of the day, and we’ve got to respond and take action. That’s what we’re doing, and you don’t have to do it alone.”
The group is open to men aged 18 and older, with attendees generally aged from mid-20s to mid-50s and the oldest clocking in at 80. Twenty-five to 55 attend each meeting, paying $20 each to cover food, nonalcoholic drinks and venue costs.
Guest speakers have covered topics including financial, physical, mental, social, occupational, spiritual, cultural, occupational, intellectual and environmental health.
Michael is husband of Trish, father of three and works as a permit authority planning and managing high risk work.
His and the leadership group’s major aims for DIIGG Wellbeing in 2023 are to connect, mentor and coach younger men, and for the group to attain registration as a not-for-profit organisation.
“We are working on obtaining not-for-profit status at the moment and actively seeking pro bono assistance but are really finding it hard to engage a law firm,” he said.
“We are operating off community love but it’s not enough to make a massive difference, and everyone knows where men’s wellbeing is at in the present moment.
“I don’t accept the suicide, anxiety, depression rate. I don’t accept the family violence, I don’t accept the drug and alcohol abuse and people wasting their lives away, I don’t accept the crime rate and number of men in jail.
“There are so many things to improve but it can’t be done by only a few people.”
Not-for-profit charity status will enable the group to receive sponsorship to help cover operating costs, including entry fees to ensure sessions are available to all men, and to expand into other communities.
People can connect with DIIGG Wellbeing via diigg_wellbeing on Instagram or email info@diiggwellbeing.com.au
