Connection, Collaboration and Change: Highlights from Day 1 of the National Men’s Health Gathering
Close to 200 delegates gathered for the opening day of the 2025 National Men’s Health Gathering, which combined four dynamic streams, including the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Men’s Health Convention.
The atmosphere was one of momentum and collaboration, as community leaders, grassroots organisations, and government representatives came together to share insights and chart a stronger, more connected future for men’s wellbeing across Australia.
Running throughout the day was the Men’s Health Sector Showcase designed to spotlight the work of grassroots and established organisations building connections in communities large and small.
Men Connecting with Men
Opening sessions heard from community leaders working on the ground to bring men together in meaningful ways.
Craig Wyld, from Men’s Wellbeing, described the power of retreat settings to help men reconnect with themselves and others. “We have more technology than we’ve ever had in the history of humankind, yet most people live more disconnected than ever before,” he said. His organisation brings around 170 men together in bush retreats to share stories and support each other. “There are good men in the world. We foster men to grow, to stand with an open heart and be present with each person. When men are present, everything changes.”
The ManKind Project Queensland shared similar stories of transformation through men’s circles. Facilitator John Abraham, who discovered the movement in 2019 while seeking deeper emotional connection, said the return of “circle work” was vital. “We’ve lost the power of circle work in the West, and we have to get that back,” he said. Globally, MKP now runs more than 1,000 weekly men’s circles in 23 countries, helping men “move from thinking to feeling” and rebuild belonging, accountability and resilience. “That’s where the healing comes from,” Abraham said.
Grassroots Voices and Early Intervention
In another session, David Facer, founder of Brave Brothers, outlined how his peer-led charity is creating “connected environments” in regional Queensland where men feel safe to seek help. Through pop-up events, education sessions, and the “Five to Stay Alive” initiative, Brave Brothers brings resources directly to men — from schools to workplaces to sporting fields. “We listen to and work with men before it’s too late,” Facer said. “We’re all doing it on the smell of an oily rag, but it’s about going where the men are.”
From New South Wales, Billy Beggs shared the story of the Penrith Men’s Walk and Talk, a grassroots movement that began after a local tragedy. What started as a simple walk and coffee around the Nepean River has become a weekly ritual for men of all ages and backgrounds. “Not every guy who comes to the walk has problems,” Beggs said. “It’s about relaxing, talking, and being there for each other.”
Collaboration on the Northern Beaches
The Northern Beaches Men’s Wellbeing Collective, just 12 months old, showcased how collaboration can amplify local impact. Co-Founders Tim Hewson and John Milham described the collective as “a bunch of motivated individuals” and organisations joining forces to make it easier for men to access support. “Nothing we do on the grassroots men’s movement side is relevant without collaboration,” Milham said.
The collective’s goal is simple: to make help easier to find. “Connector roles are missing in men’s mental health,” Milham explained. “The closer it is to one desk, one call, the better it is for the community.” With the backing of local MP Dr Sophie Scamps and partnerships with Lifeline and the Primary Health Network, the group is exploring shared tools such as a single directory or resource booklet.
Imagining a Bigger Celebration
In a lively workshop, participants brainstormed ways to raise awareness for International Men’s Day, reimagining it as a nationwide month of celebration. Ideas ranged from blue-themed sporting jerseys and public cook-ups to community parades, storytelling, and special men’s movies programming on SBS. The consensus was clear: a mix of bottom-up and top-down action is needed — from grassroots men’s groups to political leaders championing the message.
Assistant Minister for Social Services and the Prevention of Family Violence, Ged Kearney MP.
Government Support and Changing Narratives
Delegates also heard from Assistant Minister for Social Services and the Prevention of Family Violence, Ged Kearney MP, who drew on her background as a nurse to reflect on the evolving conversations around men’s health. Once men seek professional help, they open up about more personal issues — poor sleep, addiction, diet or weight — all linked to mental health, she said. “The good news is that things are changing. Across the country, we are seeing more men open up about their mental and physical health. Old narratives are changing. This is something we should celebrate This is something we should build on. People in this room can take credit for that.”
Kearney highlighted the government’s increasing focus on men’s health, including a $32 million investment announced earlier this year to support organisations working in the field. “That’s just the beginning — we’ve got to keep building on that,” she said. “Men’s health and wellbeing influence every aspect of our society.”
She also acknowledged the importance of a strengths-based approach: “Most of our men are great. We need to do more to work with them, not just for them.”
The National Men's Health Gathering - hosted by the Australian Men's Health Forum - continues at the Brisbane Showgrounds from 22-24 October, 2025.