Heartbeat of the Hastings – Ben Cudmore

FOR Ben Cudmore, giving back to the community isn’t just something he does – it’s become his life’s purpose.

A born and bred Port Macquarie local, Ben has proudly called the region home his entire life.

He’s a devoted husband, father of three, founder of Unstoppable Community, co-founder of Self Seen, a floor and wall tiler, and a Wellness Coach for Lifestyle Group.

Growing up, Ben spent his weekends playing rugby league with the Port Macquarie Sharks, where he is now a life member, and when he wasn’t on the football field, he could usually be found skateboarding around town.

These days, you’ll more likely find him in the gym or pounding the pavement, clocking up kilometres while continuing to invest in both his own wellbeing and that of others.

“Everything I do now is about helping people become healthier, happier, more connected and get their mojo back,” Ben said.

“My purpose is creating spaces where people feel supported, whether that’s through men’s groups, breathwork, retreats, workplace wellbeing or community events.”

Ben’s passion for helping others comes from personal experience.

“I’ve been through addiction, poor mental health and made some not-so-great life choices,” he said

“After hitting rock bottom, I made a promise to myself that once I got my life back on track, I’d spend it helping others realise they’re not alone. I believe everyone deserves to feel seen, heard and supported, and that’s what drives me every day.”

That promise led to the creation of Self Seen, a local charity providing safe, supportive spaces for men across Port Macquarie and Bonny Hills.

Through weekly barbecues, beach walks, men’s circles, runs, breathwork sessions, workshops and community events, Self Seen offers a non-judgemental environment where men can connect and support one another.

Alongside this, Ben runs men’s retreats, coaching programs and wellbeing workshops through Unstoppable Community, while also working with a real estate group to improve workplace wellbeing across regional NSW.

“The best part is seeing the guys find the light again and get their mojo back after putting in the work on themselves,” he said.

“I always say I create the platform and hold you accountable, but it’s up to you to do the work.”

One of Ben’s proudest achievements isn’t measured in numbers, but in the people who now give back.

“Our volunteer team is something really special. Every one of our volunteers has lived experience. They all came to Self Seen looking for support, and now they’re helping others. That’s what makes our community so strong.”

He is equally proud of the thousands of connections and lifelong friendships that have grown through Self Seen.

“Knowing that even one conversation or one event has helped someone through a tough time makes all the hard work worthwhile,” Ben said.

Ben says the stories of transformation continue to inspire him, but it’s the everyday wins that keep him motivated.

“Every conversation and every message from someone saying they’ve started exercising again or feel less alone reminds me why this work is so important,” he said.

He also hopes his children grow up understanding that success is measured by more than personal achievements.

“I want to show my three kids that success is about the impact you have on other people’s lives and the importance of doing what makes you happy.”

Through Self Seen, Ben knows lives have been changed and even saved.

“We’ve helped save the lives of many men by giving them a safe, non-judgemental space where they know they are not alone.”

Looking ahead, Ben hopes to expand the organisation’s work with young people, schools, sporting clubs and the trade industry, delivering workshops that build resilience, emotional wellbeing and stronger connections.

“I’d love to see more people checking in on each other, more businesses investing in wellbeing and more men asking for help before they reach crisis point.”

“We already have a great community, and if we continue lifting each other up instead of tearing each other down, I truly believe Port Macquarie and Camden Haven can become one of the strongest, healthiest and most connected communities in Australia.”

By Chan ANSELL