A capacity audience at Hickinbotham's winery in Dromana on 11th September heard 1960s pop idol Normie Rowe make an impassioned plea for men to take better care of their health. The event was the fourth in a series of on men's health and wellbeing events run on the Peninsula by local group Men's Wellbeing Matters. 

Normie's status as Australia's most popular male pop star during the mid-1960s was cut short prematurely when he was drafted for national service and sent on a tour of duty in Vietnam.  Like many Vietnam veterans, Normie struggled on his return to civilian life suffering from post-trauma stress disorder and depression. His condition was exacerbated in 1979 by the tragic loss of his 8-year-old son Adam who was knocked off his bike by a motorist.

Greg Holding, chairman of Men's Wellbeing Matters, said that Normie was typical of many men who experienced depression because of highly stressful life experiences. 'While Normie still battles with his demons, he has sought medical and counselling help and this has allowed him to carry on,' Greg Holding maintained.

Normie is still very active as a performer travelling throughout Australia appearing in clubs and pubs.  He received acclaim for his leading roles in Les Miserables, Annie and Evita after turning his talents to the stage. He appeared as Harold Holt in the 2008 telemovie The Prime Minister is Missing.

Sponsors for the event were Mornington Peninsula Community Connections, Mornington Peninsula Shire, Azimuth Connections and Hickinbotham of Dromana.