Hunter men are being encouraged to put their health front and centre during International Men's Health Week, with a community lunch at Morgan Engineering in Singleton bringing together workers, health professionals and local organisations for honest conversations about men's wellbeing.
Federal Member for Hunter and Special Envoy for Men's Health, Dan Repacholi MP, will join Tammy Howell from Core Health Consulting and author of The Real Man's Toolbox at the 2026 Men's Health Lunch, organised by Business Singleton.
The event will provide local men with an opportunity to have practical conversations about their health in a relaxed environment, while also accessing free health checks through the Men's Health Education Rural Van (MHERV), which will be on site thanks to the support of the Rotary Clubs of Warners Bay.
Held over a barbecue lunch provided by the Singleton Men's Shed, the event aims to break down barriers that often prevent men from talking about their health and encourage more blokes to take the first step towards preventative healthcare.
Men continue to experience poorer health outcomes than women across a range of areas and are significantly less likely to engage in preventative health checks. Health experts agree that early detection remains one of the most effective ways to improve health outcomes and save lives.
The event forms part of a broader effort during Men's Health Week to encourage men to check in on both their physical and mental health and seek support when they need it.
QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO DAN REPACHOLI MP, SPECIAL ENVOY FOR MEN'S HEALTH:
"Men's Health Week is about one simple message, don't put your health in the too-hard basket.
"Blokes are often more comfortable talking about footy, work or what they're doing on the weekend than they are talking about their health, but having those conversations can literally save lives.
"Sometimes the best conversations happen over a barbecue with your mates, and that's exactly what this event is about, creating an environment where men feel comfortable talking about their health and wellbeing.
"If you've been putting off a check-up, a blood test or a conversation with your GP, now is the time to do it.
"The MHERV Van makes it easy for men to get some basic health checks done and start thinking about their long-term health.
"We know men are less likely to seek help and more likely to put off getting checked. That's why events like this are so important.
"Looking after your health isn't a sign of weakness. It's one of the most important things you can do for yourself, your family and the people who rely on you.
"I want to thank Business Singleton, Morgan Engineering, the Rotary Club of Warners Bay, the Singleton Men's Shed and everyone involved in helping make Men's Health Week a success in the Hunter."