Bob Grubb didn't realise fellas could cry so many tears until his 15-year-old grandson took his own life in 2001, throwing the family into turmoil.
As the diminutive man bared his family's pain, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews comforted the grieving grandfather, promising to try and stop further tragedies.
The first-term Labor premier on Wednesday promised a $13.2 million royal commission into mental health if his government is re-elected on November 24.
"It will give us the answers we need, it is going to change lives, it is going to save lives," Mr Andrews told students, mental health stakeholders and community leaders at the Kyneton Men's Shed, northwest of Melbourne.
In broad terms, the commission would look at the cost of care, early intervention and the sector's workforce.
As a former health minister, Mr Andrews has long known mental health needed more attention, but the recent suicide of students at his childrens' schools, and continued harrowing mental health tales, has prompted action.
"When (wife) Cath showed me the note that came home from school, that's pretty hard, that's really tough," Mr Andrews told reporters. "It's a real wake-up call."
Last year, 621 Victorians committed suicide and more than 170,000 used the state mental health system.
The terms of reference would be established in the first 100 days of the new parliament, with a report delivered within two years.
To make changes, the Commonwealth would have to be involved.
Liberal-Nationals opposition mental health spokeswoman Emma Kealy was quick to point out that while Victoria's population has grown by 500,000 people, the community mental health budget has decreased under Labor "putting enormous pressure on critical services".
"If Daniel Andrews is serious about doing more for mental health, he will start by reversing his cuts and finding more funding to match the population growth that has occurred on his watch," she said in a statement.
According to 2018-19 budget papers, cash spent on community mental health has decreased, but it "reflects the phased introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme".
Industry experts say despite numerous previous inquiries and the absence of federal involvement, a state royal commission is worthwhile.
"Mental health has been the poor cousin of the health system for many years and there are incredible pressure points within the system that need to be addressed," Mental Health Victoria boss Angus Clelland said.
"In particular the pressure between the hospital emergency departments and general practitioners, and Commonwealth-funded services."
Victorian Council of Social Service chief Emma King hoped a royal commission would consider how community-based, frontline services could be better supported.
As Victoria marks one month to go until polling day, Opposition Leader Matthew Guy on Wednesday announced he wanted the state government to have a 50-50 say with the federal government on where new migrants lived in their first few years.
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