The Australian Government is today launching the national Healthy Men Community Conversations project to support the health and wellbeing of men and boys.
The project will deliver a series of community conversations across the country, bringing together the public and organisations working to support men’s health and wellbeing, as well as those engaged in family, domestic and sexual violence prevention.
The project aims to explore and encourage help-seeking and connection for mental, physical and social wellbeing and health among men.
The project will be led by the Assistant Minister for Social Services and the Prevention of Family Violence, Ged Kearney, and the Special Envoy for Men’s Health, Dan Repacholi.
The National Healthy Men Community Conversations will:
- Strengthen connections between men and local and national health and support services and encourage help-seeking
- Engage in conversations and evidence sharing about respectful relationships and what it means to be a happy, healthy and supported man.
Conversations from the tour will inform future government policies and programs as part of the Australian Government’s broader commitment to working in partnership with communities to improve outcomes for men and boys, while supporting safer, healthier relationships for all Australians.
The project kicks off with a Healthy Masculinities Roundtable hosted by the Australian Institute of Family Studies, with representatives from government and academia bringing expertise in family safety and services, legal affairs, gender-based violence, online safety, gender equality, social cohesion and men’s physical and emotional health.
The Australian Government is also extending funding for the Healthy Masculinities Trial and Evaluation Program (Healthy MaTE) through to 30 June 2027.
Healthy MaTE trials and evaluates schools and community based activities to encourage healthy expressions of masculinity and promote respectful relationships among boys and young men. It is funded through the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-32. The 12-month extension, supported by an additional $861,000.
More information on the government’s work to improve men’s health outcomes is available on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing’s website. More information on the government’s work to end family, domestic and sexual violence is available on the Department of Social Services website.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Social Services and the Prevention of Family Violence, Ged Kearney:
"The Albanese Labor Government is committed to working with men and boys, because when we do, we know we strengthen families and communities for generations to come.
“We want men to feel confident seeking support when they need it, and to know that reaching out is an act of strength.
“By engaging directly with communities, we are building a clearer picture of the challenges men are facing and how we can better support their health, wellbeing and positive relationships.
“The data shows that when men feel supported and socially connected, they are better able to build respectful, healthy relationships. Understanding what strengthens connection and wellbeing is key to fostering strong and positive relationships.
“It takes a village to raise a child, and that village must include men. When men are supported to build connections and seek-help, the benefits flow through families and communities.”
Quotes attributable to Special Envoy for Men’s Health, Dan Repacholi:
“We all need a hand sometimes. Whether it’s a mate, a family member or your GP, having that conversation can make a big difference.
“Looking after your health isn’t just about the physical stuff. It’s about what’s going on in your head too, and getting on top of it early.
“As blokes, we’re pretty good at putting our heads down and getting on with it, but when it comes to our mental health, that can come at a real cost. We’re losing too many good men far too early.
“Too many blokes are dying from things we could prevent, including suicide. Having a chat, seeing your doctor, getting a bit of support, it can honestly save your life.
“Most men just want to do right by their families, their partners and their mates, but too often they don’t know where to turn when things get tough.
“So, I’m looking forward to hearing from boys and men about what matters to them and how we can help them to live healthy happy lives in strong families and communities.”
Quote Attributable to Patty Kinnersly, CEO of Our Watch
“Supporting men and boys to build strong, healthy relationships is critical to stronger communities. At a time when many young men are navigating harmful online influences and changing attitudes about gender, creating space for open, honest conversations and encouraging help-seeking has never been more important.
“Evidence shows that harmful ideas about how to be a man can impact men’s wellbeing and increase the incidence of violence against women. Creating spaces that support men to challenge these norms is an important part of preventing violence against women, alongside broader efforts to address the underlying drivers of violence, including gender inequality, across our communities and institutions.”
Quotes attributable to Ben Vasiliou, CEO of the Man Cave:
“When we invest in boys’ and young men’s mental health upfront, we don’t just reduce harm, we unlock their capacity to contribute positively to their families, schools, workplaces, and communities.
“At The Man Cave, we see every day that engaging boys and young men in conversations about identity, respect, and connection is not a ‘nice to have’, it’s essential. Promoting healthy expressions of masculinity goes hand-in-hand with advancing gender equity. When boys and men feel secure, supported, and connected, they are far more likely to build respectful relationships and be active contributors to safer, more inclusive communities.
“This project is about bringing together evidence, lived experience, and community voice to inform smarter policy and more effective programs. Because when we work with boys and men in meaningful ways, the benefits don’t sit with them alone, they ripple out to women, families, and society as a whole.”