The Tough Guy Book club are honoured to announce Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, Governor of Victoria as the club’s patron.  

Tough Guy Book Club (TGBC) is a network of men’s book clubs that meet in local pubs with the aim of getting men to read more, talk more, and make more friends. Beginning in a pub in Collingwood Victoria in 2012, the club has since grown to over 130 separate chapters across the country and is now expanding around the world. “Our aim is to create a dense latticework of local community,” says Shay Leighton, founder of TGBC, “a couple of generations ago it was likely that men were involved in many civic organisations: footy club, church, union, social groups, buffalo club/odd fellows, whatever, but these days its typical that men are a member of none. We want to help change that.”  

Recently members of the club were invited to a breakfast with Governor Gardner, where she learned more about what we do over a club led discussion of a recent club book (The Riders, by Tim Winton). Impressed by the interactive session, her excellency expressed admiration of the ‘no work talk’ rule to avoid pigeon holing, and the way members talk openly with, and look out for each other. The aspect of building communities within communities was of particular interest to Her Excellency. The Governor said, “This organisation’s dedication has helped countless men across the globe find a healthy, positive way to express themselves.”  

This patronage will bring attention to the programmes undertaken by TGBC and highlight the great work that has already been achieved. Steve Bruce, TGBC Financial Director said, “It is great to receive recognition of the work we do in men’s health, battling isolation and building communities.”  

If you would like to learn more about Tough Guy Book Club, you can find information on our website Tough Guy Book Club. All chapters meet on the first Wednesday of each month at 7pm. Find your local chapter and join in, come along whether you have read the book or not – there will always be something to discuss.