Celebrity Gus Worland says pubs are beneficial to people’s lives

A cold beer at the pub can lead to a heartwarming chat between mates says Gus Worland, founder of Gotcha4Life and lifelong mate of Hugh Jackman.

A cold beer at the pub can lead to a heartwarming chat between mates and improve social wellbeing.

So says Gotcha4Life founder and TV and radio personality Gus Worland, who believes the local watering hole was hugely beneficial to people’s lives.

“2020 was a difficult year for everyone, but especially for males who weren’t able to catch up and have that truly offline, in-person social experience,” said Worland, who also hosted the ABC TV series Man Up.

When businesses were forced to close due to COVID-19, many punters found themselves longing for the unique atmosphere of their favourite local.

Nick Nilsson, Gus Worland and Steve Gamble at Manly Wharf Hotel. Picture: Justin Lloyd

“What people miss most about pubs was the opportunity to be around and interact with other people,” Worland said.

“My mates and I have a couple of beers every week and catch up. This allows us to have great conversation while helping out the locals.”

The pub had been a stomping ground for Worland and lifelong mate Hugh Jackman.

“The first time we broke up with our girlfriends, we’d have a glass of scotch together and sit there for hours and just talk,” Worland said.

“Jacko and I have known each other since we were five and we’ve been through a lot together. We speak on the phone at least three times a week. It’s a very special relationship.”

Their work with mental health charity, Gotcha4Life, started as a legacy for a childhood mate who took his own life and promotes messages of connection and conversation.

Lifelong mates Hugh Jackman and Gus Worland.

“Pubs can help us to become more honest and vulnerable around mates,” Worland said.

“When we release our emotions and open up, we’ll have someone who’s got us for life.”

National Local Day, initiated by beverage giant Lion, acknowledges the role a ‘local’ plays in bringing communities together.

To mark the one-year anniversary of the lockdown, Lion managing director James Brindley said the company has declared March 23 the inaugural National Local Day, encouraging punters to show their support for licenced venues in their community.

“We want National Local Day to become an annual event — to remember the important role local pubs and clubs play in communities across Australia,” he said.

To celebrate National Local Day, scan the QR code in tomorrow’s paper for a $15 voucher to spend at your local Lion pub or club.

There is a cap of 40,000 redemptions available, and the list of your local participating venues will appear when you register.