Special Envoy for Men’s Health, Dan Repacholi MP, is visiting the Northern Territory this week to meet with local communities, men’s health advocates and service providers to hear firsthand about the unique challenges and opportunities facing men in the Territory.
During the visit, Mr Repacholi will attend the Strengthening Men’s Health Roundtable, the NT Men’s ShedFest, and meet with a wide range of stakeholders across the men’s health sector, from grassroots community groups to national organisations.
This visit marks the first of many engagements Mr Repacholi will make across the Territory as part of his ongoing work to listen to men and local leaders on the ground and ensure men’s health remains a national priority.
Mr Repacholi will be joined throughout the visit by Federal Member for Solomon, Luke Gosling OAM MP, as they meet with Territory leaders, Men’s Sheds and men’s health advocates to strengthen collaboration and share insights.
This year’s ShedFEST NT is the first-ever Territory gathering of Men’s Shed members focused on shed development, bringing together shedders from as far as Alice Springs, Wadeye and Katherine, alongside sheds from the broader Darwin region. The event aims to build stronger connections across Northern Territory sheds and share lessons that can benefit sheds around the country.
Mr Repacholi will meet with shed members and representatives from the Australian Men’s Shed Association to discuss how Men’s Sheds continue to play a crucial role in supporting men’s mental health, social connection and wellbeing.
Quotes attributable to Dan Repacholi MP, Special Envoy for Men’s Health:
“This is the first of many visits I’ll be making to the Northern Territory to hear directly from men, communities and health organisations about the issues that matter most to them.
“Every community is different. What works in the Hunter might look very different to what works in Darwin. That’s why it’s so important we listen and learn from those on the ground.
“Men’s health is about more than doctor’s visits. It’s about mateship, connection, purpose and community. The Northern Territory has some of the strongest and most resilient communities in the country, and I’m looking forward to working alongside them to help every man live a healthy, happy life.”
Quotes attributable to Luke Gosling OAM MP, Federal Member for Solomon:
“Dan Repacholi’s visit as the Special Envoy for Men’s Health underlines how men’s health is getting the attention and support it deserves.
“We need to break down unhealthy masculine stereotypes of stoicism and bravado to encourage men to access health services and seek help when required, particularly around mental health.
“The NT Strengthening Men’s Health Roundtable and other forums will highlight the important role health and social services play, along with education programs focused on healthy masculinities and progressive concepts of manhood that engage boys and men in frank and open discussions about their health and wellbeing.”