Priorities and purpose and a positive outlook for 2025: AMHF President Gillian Hunt's year-end report
AMHF president Gillian Hunt was re-elected by the Board following the organisation's AGM on 10 December 2024. Here is her President's report.
By Gillian Hunt
Introduction
As we reflect on another transformative year at the Australian Men’s Health Forum (AMHF), I am proud to present this report highlighting our achievements, challenges, and aspirations for the future.
AMHF has continued to champion the health and wellbeing of men and boys across Australia, fostering collaboration, advocacy, and practical support for those on the frontlines of male health. This year has seen changes in our leadership, critical advancements in cross-sector partnerships, and a steadfast commitment to addressing systemic health disparities for men and boys.
The progress outlined below is a testament to the dedication of our members, Board, and partners. Together, we continue to make a difference, ensuring men’s and boys’ health remains a national priority.
Board Changes
Over the past 12 months, AMHF has undergone significant transitions in our Board leadership:
- John Rich of Men’s Health and Wellbeing WA and Paul Campbell of the Tasmanian Treatment and Assessment Centre were elected by our members.
- We welcomed Dale Luong as Treasurer, following a successful recruitment campaign.
We also farewelled three long-serving Board members:
- Chris Lytas of Right Mate, earlier in the year
- Darren Black of SuperFriend and previously OzHelp Foundation, and
- Our longest-serving Board member, Greg Millan, a founding member who has significantly shaped AMHF’s history.
In recognition of Greg’s extraordinary contributions we are pleased to award him Life Membership of AMHF.
Greg Millan: AMHF's longest-serving Board member.
Expanding Cross-Sector Influence
AMHF has made substantial progress in promoting the health and wellbeing of men and boys across diverse sectors:
- Know Your Man Facts Campaign: This initiative has grown significantly, with the launch of a dedicated website, 6,000+ subscribers, and over 4,000 toolkit downloads, helping individuals and communities address stigma and promote health literacy for men and boys.
- Professional Development: Our "What Works When Working With Men" webinar in partnership with Suicide Prevention Australia attracted 120+ practitioners, with 75% indicating the session would directly influence their work.
- Reaching Men Workshop: Piloted with organisations like Anglicare and Relationships Australia Tasmania, this workshop equips community and social sector workers with best practices for engaging men and boys effectively.
Advocacy and National Initiatives
This year, AMHF played a pivotal role in shaping national policies and funding frameworks:
- Through the Australian Men and Boys’ Health Alliance, we secured ongoing funding for the National Male Health Initiative until June 2026.
- Advocated for health priorities for men and boys in:
- The National Suicide Prevention Strategy
- The National Lung Cancer Screening Program
- Partnered on key initiatives such as Ten to Men, Movember’s men’s health curriculum, and Dr. Mark Robinson’s Gap Analysis of male health.
State and Territory Engagement
AMHF’s state-level work has strengthened our local partnerships:
- Tasmania: Continued collaboration through the Male Focused Working Group on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention.
- Queensland: Partnered with SPA’s State Committee to address suicide prevention.
- Western Australia: Engaged through the WA Men’s Wellbeing Conference, driving the conversation around mental health for men and boys.
- New South Wales: Supported the Doing It Tough? campaign and contributed to consultations on the NSW Suicide Prevention Act.
We acknowledge the leadership of member organisations such as Men’s Resources Tasmania, Men’s Health and Wellbeing WA, and Men’s Talk AU, who amplify AMHF’s mission on the ground.
Global Action on Men’s Health (GAMH)
AMHF remains committed to collaborating on an international stage through our involvement in Global Action on Men’s Health (GAMH). Rae Bonney continues to represent AMHF in this critical forum, advocating for innovative strategies and sharing best practices to improve the health outcomes of men and boys worldwide. GAMH enables us to contribute to global initiatives while bringing back valuable insights to strengthen our work in Australia. This ongoing relationship underscores our role as both a national and international leader in men’s and boys’ health.
Financial Sustainability and Future Growth
Building financial sustainability has remained a central focus:
- Extensions to government funding from the Health Peak and Advisory Body Fund and the Male Health Initiative have secured operational continuity until June 2026.
- Strengthened financial reserves, providing the foundation for the National Men’s Health Gathering relaunch in 2025.
National Men’s Health Gathering Relaunch 2025
Reinstating the National Men's Health Gathering remains a strategic priority for AMHF. Over the past 12 months, we have made significant progress in our planning and preparation. This includes the appointment of a professional conference organiser to ensure a high-quality event, the identification of a preferred venue, and key logistical advancements. We are on track to announce the venue and date by the end of the year, setting the stage for the 2025 Gathering to once again serve as Australia’s premier event for advancing the health and wellbeing of men and boys.
Closing Remarks
As we look ahead, AMHF remains committed to building healthier communities, championing systemic change, and advocating for the health and wellbeing of men and boys. The progress we’ve made is only possible through the dedication and passion of our members, Board, and partners. Together, we are creating a future where the health of men and boys is prioritised and supported at every level.
I would like to thank you sincerely for your ongoing membership and impact over the past year.
Gillian Hunt
President, AMHF