Movember and International Men's Day highlight November
November marks the beginning of a big month in men’s health as Mo-Town fever takes over and various groups and organisations prepare to mark International Men’s Day on Tuesday, November 19.
Movember has evolved to become one of the biggest fund-raisers for men’s health across the world since
2003, with an estimated five million people supporting the charity’s efforts to help men live happier, healthier lives. Ongoing investment has been channelled towards 1250 men’s health projects addressing mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.
Not everyone wants to, or can, grow a Mo. So, save sticking a makeshift moustache on your face, Movember encourages men and women to ‘Mo Your Own Way’. The only prerequisites are to Sign up, create a profile, set up a challenge and tell everyone about it. This could be climbing a mountain, breaking a personal best, quitting a bad habit, or simply growing a Mo (if that is an option).
Coinciding with Movember, International Men’s Day is an opportunity to get on board with this year’s theme, “Men’s Health Champions.”
This day helps spotlight the challenges in men’s health and the people delivering solutions under four sub-themes: Building Health Communities, Look Out For Your Mates, Take Action, Stay Healthy, and Creating a Healthier Future.
Check out some of the International Men’s Day Calendar listings for ideas to acknowledge the males you care about, young and old.
To highlight a few:
Healthier Illawarra Men is holding a lunch on November 22 with guest speaker John Maclean, an inspiring and celebrated athlete who was hit by an 8-tonne truck while riding his bike in 1988 but rose about adversity to achieve many milestones including swimming the English Channel and representing Australia at the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games. One great way to build an event is around an inspirational speaker.
No One Left Behind in the Northern Territory has an impressive lineup of speakers and entertainers diving into the theme ‘Mateship’ for its IMD lunch on November 15. Note: IMD is on November 19, but your event can be at any time.
Men’s Sheds are typically active participants in IMD, notably Mackay Shed Happens, who will celebrate men’s positive contributions at their celebratory breakfast on November 19.
Meanwhile, at Hervey Bay, Shane Bradbury’s well-attended men’s walk and talk group will have a sunset stroll on November 19 near the surf life-saving club in Torquay, followed by a barbeque and refreshments.
Men’s Resources Tasmania has embraced the Men’s Health Champions theme with a suite of awards that will be announced at its breakfast on November 19 in Hobart. The Awards are to recognise individuals who are making a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of boys and men in Tasmania. View event
In South Australia, the Hon. Sarah Game MLC is hosting a two-course dinner at the Norwood Football Club, where she will celebrate positive male role models and hear from a panel of four powerful leaders. View event
The Multicultural Communities Council of SA will celebrate Men’s Health Champions at the Adelaide Pavilion on November 19 from 10am, with workshops on men’s challenges, a delicious lunch and live performances. View event
The ACT is joining the action with a live Work with Purpose podcast hosted by the Institute of Public Administration Australia on November 20 at the Canberra Rex Hotel, a great networking event and discussion on how to build a culture at work that allows men to be open and vulnerable. View event
In Western Australia, Mens Talk is hosting a corporate breakfast at the Scarborough Surf Life Saving Club on November 19, with Fremantle Dockers captain Alex Pearce, Vince Garreffa from the Mondo Community Warriors and Forrest scholar Jackson Mason Stephens. View event
If you would like to list an International Men’s Day event, please contact [email protected]
