Cronulla ‘Gropers’ Swim Club Gains Recognition for Men’s Mental Health Support

A growing group of men in Cronulla, a suburb of Sydney, Australia, are gaining attention for their unique approach to supporting men’s mental health through a daily ocean swim and open conversation.

The group, known as the Cronulla Gropers, was founded by Jason Dorahy and Lee Murphy and has grown to approximately 280 members. Participants, ranging from CEOs to tradespeople – including Federal MP Simon Kennedy – gather most mornings at Cronulla Beach for a swim, followed by coffee and conversation. “JD and I, yeah, we started swimming, but it’s the guys that make the group,” Murphy said. The initiative highlights a critical need for accessible mental health resources for men, a demographic often less likely to seek traditional help.

Dorahy and Murphy emphasize that the group is not a substitute for professional help, but rather a supportive community where men can connect and share their experiences. “We don’t claim to be psychologists or psychiatrists; all we are doing is gathering a group of mates,” Murphy explained. “Guys say they’ve been through rehabs, psychologists, psychiatrists and haven’t had the result that we’ve had here.” Australia faces a significant challenge with male suicide, with approximately seven men taking their own lives each day, according to Lifeline Australia. The Gropers’ motto, “no one gets left behind,” reflects their commitment to inclusivity and support. You can find more information about men’s mental health resources here.

Founding member Jason Dorahy, who has personally faced challenges including separation, redundancy, and heart surgery, spoke about the importance of gratitude and daily connection. “It’s horrible, it’s a horrible thing to go through… to stay mentally strong,” Dorahy said. “But for me, it’s about waking up every day and being grateful for every day.” Organizers say they are planning to expand the group’s activities to include more regular social events and workshops.