Sunshine Coast entrepreneur Gerard Irvine launches controversial men’s self-help group

An entrepreneur’s new self-help group for “strong men in an increasingly weak society” has been met with mixed reviews online, with some saying his messaging is dangerous, while others are excited to have a safe space for men to be men.

Gerard Irvine has launched a self-help group for men on the Sunshine Coast. Picture - Facebook/Gerard Irvine.

A self-proclaimed Sunshine Coast entrepreneur’s new self-help group for “strong men in an increasingly weak society” has been met with mixed reviews online.

In a Facebook post, Sunshine Coast local Gerard Irvine, 38, of Gympie, said he ran a men’s self help group as an answer to the lack of “safe spaces for men”.

“I’m a business owner, entrepreneur, army veteran and father,” Mr Irvine said.

“I’m an avid supporter for strong men in an increasingly weak society, and am looking for men who want to be part of a local group of individuals, that wish to learn, grow and succeed together.

“Life is filled with many challenges and hardships and during these times there is a lack of positive spaces for men to seek camaraderie, support and acknowledgment, especially during difficult times.

“This group will fill that gap, and help our fellow brothers, regardless if they are a top performer, just starting out or in need of a hand up.

“The group will aim to meet once a fortnight to work on, learn and discuss: fitness, success, brotherhood, discipline, money, raising strong children, relationships, values, divorce, self-development, accountability, alcohol, drugs, mental health, mentality, dress sense, and much more.”

Gerard Irvine. Picture – Facebook/Gerard Irvine.

Mr Irvine’s private Facebook group, known as “The Barracks – Men’s Community”, has more than 600 members.

The cover photo picture featured the text – “The world is against me. It wouldn’t be fair otherwise”.

According to the group description – “The Barracks is a community for men that want the best that life can give. They understand that life is difficult, but by outperforming and outworking our competition, with a group of solid men around us we can achieve anything.

“This is a space for men from all walks of life to become their next levels selves.”

Mr Irvine’s post proved controversial in the Noosa Facebook community group, with locals arguing over whether it was dangerous messaging or a positive initiative for lonely men.

“Sounds like Australia’s answer to Andrew Tate,” one woman commented.

“Sounds like a training group for toxic masculinity,” another woman said.

When asked about those comments, Mr Irvine said he was trying to not let it bother him.

“I feel some of them have political lens or agenda … everyone has their own backgrounds, lived experiences and sees the world their way. I try not to pay it attention but it did disappoint me. I try not to let those comments bother me.

“We can’t be something for everyone.

“Love or hate him (Andrew Tate), he has garnered a following of young men because men aren’t being led anymore … but I’m not particularly a fan.”

Mr Irvine said he started the group after struggling through a divorce and feeling lonely himself.

“Men are very disconnected at the moment and struggle to make friends as adults,” he said.

“So the group is about rebuilding community … we’re living very solitary lives which isn’t healthy for men.

“My overall plan is to house a wider community for strong men across Queensland. To give them the space and opportunity to meet each other and bond over their passions.”

The group is having its first meet up of the year in Noosa tonight.

Mr Irvine said he was expecting 20 to 40 men to attend.