What’s on in men’s health for 2026
For organisations, practitioners and advocates working to improve the health and wellbeing of men and boys, 2026 presents a full year of opportunities to engage, educate and connect.
From national awareness campaigns and sector conferences to key prevention and community-led moments, the men’s health calendar provides multiple touchpoints to amplify messages, plan activity and reach men where they live, work and socialise.
Whether you’re planning activities, supporting a cause or simply looking for a reason to check in on your own health, here’s what’s coming up across Australia in men’s health in 2026.
Starting the year with healthier habits
The year kicked off in January with Dry January, a growing movement encouraging people to take a break from alcohol after the festive season. For many men, it’s a reset — improving sleep, mood, energy levels and overall wellbeing. Awareness around drinking will continue with FebFast (the national fundraiser for Lifeline to help suicide prevention), and more opportunities to quit or reduce alcohol consumption during special ‘awareness months’ like Dry July and Sober October (also known as Ocsober).
In February, attention also turns to heart health with REDFEB, part of National Heart Month, which raises awareness and funds for cardiovascular research. Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death for Australian men, making this a key moment to focus on prevention. The month also includes World Cancer Day on 4 February, highlighting the importance of early detection, screening and support.
Community, connection and prevention
World Sleep Day on 13 March highlights the link between rest, mental health and physical health. World Harmony Day on 21 March promotes inclusion and belonging — essential protective factors for men’s mental health.
Later in the month, National Walk to Work Day (Friday, 27 March) encourages physical activity and healthier routines, while the AMSA National Men’s Shed Conference on 24 March celebrates the role Men’s Sheds play in reducing isolation and supporting older men.
In April, the spotlight shifts to awareness and advocacy. Testicular Cancer Awareness Month highlights one of the most common cancers affecting young men, while World Health Day on 7 April looks at global health challenges. From 28–30 April, the National Suicide Prevention Conference in Sydney brings together experts, organisations and advocates to address one of the most urgent issues affecting Australian men.
Mid-year momentum
May is a busy month for prevention and awareness. M8TES Day on 8 May encourages men to look out for one another, while National Heart Week (4–10 May) reinforces heart health messages and World No Tobacco Day on 31 May focuses on reducing smoking-related harm.
In June, Men’s Health Week (15–21 June) provides a national platform to talk about men’s health in all its forms — physical, mental and social.
Safety, culture and chronic conditions
The second half of the year continues the momentum. July includes World Drowning Prevention Day (25 July), NAIDOC Week (5–12 July), recognising the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, and National Diabetes Week (12–18 July).
In August, World Lung Cancer Day (1 August), National Stroke Week (3–9 August) and Loneliness Awareness Week (3–9 August) each highlight serious but often overlooked health risks for men.
Awareness, family and mental health
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, alongside Father’s Day on 6 September, World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September, and National Tradies Day on the third Friday of the month — a reminder to reach men in industries with higher health risks.
October brings World Mental Health Day on 10 October and R U OK? Day, held on the second Thursday of the month, reinforcing the importance of checking in and starting conversations.
Closing the year with action
In November, Movember once again focuses on men’s mental health, suicide prevention and prostate and testicular cancer. The month also includes National Diabetes Day on 14 November, Road Worker Day of Remembrance on 9 November, and International Men’s Day on 19 November, a chance to celebrate positive male role models while acknowledging ongoing challenges.
The year wraps up in December with Decembeard, supporting Bowel Cancer Awareness, and the International Day of People with a Disability on 3 December, highlighting inclusion and access in health and community life.
For more information, check out the International Men's Day, Know Your Man Facts and Men's Health Week websites hosted by the Australian Men's Health Forum.