Thank you ...
Hi, I'm Justin Geange and I'm grateful you're here!
I’m pretty chuffed to be able to share some of my story with you on this website, and, through my book of poetry, Holding Hope for My Mates.
Writing – and performing – each of the poems in my book has been healing for me personally. It is my fervent hope that by sharing the many trials and tribulations of my mental health journey that these words may offer you consolation, comfort, encouragement and solidarity for your own personal journey – whatever your struggles and difficulties may be.
I was born and bred in New Zealand, to proud parents and two very patient brothers. At one stage dad was a sharemilker. I deeply enjoyed farm life for a couple of years before brucellosis (a cattle borne disease) struck dad, confining the family to city life once again.
Moving to Australia as a 17-year-old, I landed in the construction industry starting out as an apprentice plumber in the early nineties. I’m deeply grateful I married the love of my life, Marnie, and had two beautiful daughters, Tegan and Chelsea, through IVF. I’ve had many adventures along the way, including being a mascot for the Brisbane Broncos Rugby League team for 18 years and appearing on many TV reality and game shows.
After two decades in the construction industry, I had a breakdown and was diagnosed with Bipolar type two. Part of my recovery included sharing my story around Australia and New Zealand, with the hope and intent of helping others navigate their challenges.
This journey led me to volunteer with many charities like RUOK?, Movember, Roses in the Ocean, Suicide Prevention Australia and MATES in Construction, resulting in many awards and acknowledgments over the last ten plus years.
I now work for suicide prevention charity MATES in Construction. Holding Hope for our Mates was born from these experiences and my day-to-day interactions with an industry well versed in looking out for its mates.
MATES in Construction will receive 50% of all profits from the sale of Holding Hope for My Mates.
For more information on Mates in Construction visit the website: www.mates.org.au
MATES 24/7 Helpline 1300 642 111
