Gathering Day 2: Moving Men’s Health Forward
Brisbane Showgrounds, Thursday 23 October 2025
Day Two marks the formal opening of the Gathering with a panel session on this year's theme - Moving Men's Health Forward.
Speakers include this year's international guest speaker, Professor Derek Griffith, Chair of Global Action on Men's Health, who is coming from America for the Gathering. He'll be joined by a diverse line up of speakers with decades of experience in men's health, including Jorgen Gullestrup, CEO and Founder of MATES in Construction.
Focus Shifts to Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
Day Two will see the conclusion of this year's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Convention and our Men's Health Research Stream, which were both main features of Day One.
These two important streams make way for a focus on the all-important topic of Men's Mental Health and suicide prevention. We'll be talking about the role that Governments can play in preventing male suicide with the help of Queensland's Mental Health Commissioner, Ivan Frkovic.
Ivan oversees the delivery of Every Life: The Queensland Suicide Prevention Plan 2019-2029, with its strong emphasis on reaching men at risk.
We aim to cover the important topic of male suicide prevention from all angles, not just top-down policy approaches, but also grassroots initiatives. Delegates will hear about MensTalk in WA, which has created a seafront hub to connect with men, and Wheelnutz Garage, a program funded by a Primary Health Network that engages men through the universal of cars, trucks and lorries.
Addressing the Broader Determinants of Suicide
Suicide is often linked to relationship breakdowns, financial pressures, and work-related stress. A number of organisations will share their work in this space, including Parents Beyond Breakup, which supports separated dads, and Sheltered by House, a homelessness project working with men in distress, including male victims of domestic violence.
The Power of Peer Support
Day Two also highlights the rapid expansion of peer-led men’s groups tackling isolation and building social connection. An entire session will explore the growth and success of initiatives like The Men’s Table, The Man Walk, and Mr Perfect.
Stories of Lived Experience
The Gathering provides a platform for men with lived experience to share how personal journeys inform their work in the sector. Topics under discussion include mental health, grief and loss, living with long-term conditions such as cancer and HIV, and the impact of homophobia on men.
Networking and Connections
Delegates are encouraged to make the most of breaks to reconnect with familiar faces and meet groups from across the country, including Healthier Illawarra Men (NSW), Regional Men’s Health Initiative (WA), Men’s Resources Tasmania (TAS), Are You Bogged Mate? (QLD), Tomorrow Man (VIC), IMD Darwin (NT) and Good, Better, Best Men (SA).
Closing Discussion and Gala Dinner
The day concludes with a whole-of-conference session on a vital question for the sector: How do we create a healthy public narrative about men, manhood and masculinity?
Afterwards, delegates can look forward to the Gala Dinner at the Stockman’s Bar and Grill, featuring live entertainment, great food, and the presentation of the 2025 National Men’s Health Awards.
Register for the National Men’s Health Gathering
Learn more about our Invited Speakers
Find out about Day 1 at The Gathering
Find out about Day 3 at The Gathering
