The NT Division participation in the International Men’s Day Forum, held in Darwin, 19th November. This included the facilitation of a workshop about the development of a Northern Australia Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander male health and wellbeing research strategy by Professor James Smith and Mr David Aanundsen.

Gawler event (from left) Community Connections Worker, John Goodger, Professor Gary Wittert, Ms Kim Wright, Community Development Coordinator at the Gawler & Districts College Children’s Centre, and Tony Piccolo MP.

News Release from the Office of Tony Piccolo MP, State Member for Light, Labor Duty Member for Schubert

GAWLER INTERNATIONAL MEN’S DAY 2021 EVENTS A HUGE SUCCESS

A total of around 100 local men and women, including Mayor Karen Redman attended the two inaugural International Men’s Day events held in Gawler on Thursday night and Friday morning. Event facilitator, local Member of Parliament, Mr Tony Piccolo said the two events were very successful, with the two guest speakers, Professor Gary Wittert from the University of Adelaide and Bob Clifford from Mates in Construction (MIC) both extremely well received.

Professor Wittert who was the guest speaker at the Thursday night event, where the Gawler Men’s Wellbeing Network was re-launched, spoke about the research undertaken by the Freemason’s Foundation Centre for Male Health & Wellbeing at the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute and the University of Adelaide. As Director of the Centre, Professor Wittert talked about how the research was assisting with developing policies and practices which improve communication between men and their health practitioners.

Professor Wittert said the problem is not that men do not go to the doctor, but rather the conversations with them are limited so their health needs are not met. “The research shows that men will speak with their doctors, male or female, if they are asked the right questions,” said Professor Wittert. “Men may lack medical literacy, so we are developing apps and checklist to help men with their conversations with their doctors.” Mr Piccolo said Professor Wittert also dispelled a range of myths in society about men’s health.

“The links between mental and physical health are often not explored in their visit to the doctors, so often men only get half the answer whereas women are more proactive in their conversations with their doctors,” said Mr Piccolo.

Professor Wittert fielded a number of questions including advice on safe levels of alcohol consumption, diabetes, prostate and bladder issues, supporting younger men, mental health, and relationships.

At the Friday morning breakfast, Bob Clifford the Operations Manager at Mates in Construction provided some sobering and shocking statistics about male suicide in Australia, and in particular, the construction industries.

Mr Piccolo said that three times more people die from suicide than from road crashes, but mental health services continue to be underfunded. “Research has shown that the biggest cause of death among males between the age of 15 and 25 is suicide,” said Mr Piccolo.

Mates in construction provide a range of free training and services in workplaces for people (mainly men) in the construction industries. “In addition to training, the MIC program also offers support services when men are facing a crisis, which may lead to thoughts about suicide.”

At both events a number of people nominated to become members of the re-convened Gawler Men’s Wellbeing Network. Mr Piccolo said he welcome further nominations to the network from people who are in some way involved in providing services and support to men and boys in our community. “I also intend to invite some people to join in the network to ensure it reflects the diversity of men in our community and the different issues and challenges they face,” said Mr Piccolo.

Mr Piccolo said the two events could not have been possible without the great support provided by the speakers, the two venue hosts, The Gawler Salvation Army Riverside Centre, Willo’s Men’s Shed and financial assistance from the Gawler Freemasons. It is planned to make the breakfast an annual event in partnership with Willos Men’s Shed and other community organisations.

Anyone interested in becoming involved in the Gawler Men’s Wellbeing Network should contact Tony Piccolo on 8522 2878 or email light@parliament.sa.gov.au