Gathering Day 3: Finishing strong with many surprises
Brisbane Showgrounds, Friday 24 October
The final day of the National Men’s Health Gathering opens with an uplifting performance from award-winning choral conductor Jonathan Welch AM and his Man Aloud choir.
Welch, best known for the ground-breaking Choir of Hard Knocks, has dedicated much of his work to supporting homeless and disadvantaged Australians. He has also talked candidly about his own prostate cancer journey, making Men Aloud not just a choir, but a vehicle for men’s well-being and social connection.
Spotlight on Men’s Health and Sexual Wellbeing
Day Three also brings sessions on men’s sexual and reproductive health, featuring expertise from Men’s Health Down Under pharmacy, alongside practical discussions about supporting men at all stages of life. We'll also be inviting a diverse range of practitioners - from allied health professionals to psychologists to coaches and counsellors - to share the secrets of "How we work with men".
How Practitioners Engage with Men
A diverse group of practitioners — from allied health professionals to psychologists, coaches and counsellors — will share strategies in the session How We Work With Men. Among them is Matthew Lewin, an Accredited Social Worker whose innovative Timber Therapy uses woodworking as a practical, creative way of making counselling more natural for boys and men. Innovation continues with Trademutt, the social enterprise behind brightly coloured tradie shirts that are breaking down stigma and funding free counselling through TIACS (This is a Conversation Starter).
Another highlight is the inaugural Black Dog Ride Pitchfest, where grassroots champions will pitch for a chance to secure $10,000 in funding for initiatives supporting men’s mental health.
Transitions Across the Life Course
Friday’s program also addresses the pivotal transitions men experience — from becoming a father to leaving the workforce and adjusting to retirement. Expert speakers will explore the challenges and opportunities these life stages present.
Looking Ahead
We bring our three-day conversation on the theme "Moving Men's Health Forward" to a close with a focus on the future - and in particular boys and young men. We have two excellent speakers from The Man Cave, a project that has developed a great reputation for working with boys in schools across Australia.
The day also features a keynote from Marco Renai, the 2024 Queensland Australian of the Year. Renai is the founder of the Men of Business Academy, which began as a pilot program in 2011 after he recognised a gap in male-focused support for young men disengaged from education.
What started as a small initiative has grown into two thriving academies on the Gold Coast, employing 35 staff and supporting 180 students. Renai’s personal experience of struggling in school has fuelled his passion for reforming education, creating pathways that empower boys to succeed. His work exemplifies the Gathering’s theme of Moving Men’s Health Forward by investing in the next generation.
A Strong Finish
Day Three promises not only to finish strong, but to surprise and inspire delegates with bold ideas, lived experience, and a forward-looking focus on how we can build a healthier future for men and boys.
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 2 at the Gathering
