STRENGTHENING MEN’S HEALTH
It's not always something blokes want to talk about, but Special Envoy for Men’s Health, Dan Repacholi MP, has visited Macquarie to encourage conversations on the very issues the Prime Minister has charged him with advocating for.
Joining Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman, Mr Repacholi met with sport and community groups, men’s health advocates and services 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, five-time Olympian and Commonwealth Games gold medallist, and Ms Templeman met with representatives from Emu Plains and Windsor junior rugby league clubs and Penrith District Rugby League Football staff including Club CEO Matt Cameron, at Penrith Panthers Academy, to discuss their work on physical and mental health.
Panthers Wellbeing Officer, Kevin Kingston, spoke about the work being done across the region to focus on wellbeing both on and off the field, whether you’re a player, coach or part of the support team that makes local sport possible in the first place.
Mr Repacholi and Ms Templeman also visited Regatta Park at Emu Plains with Penrith Mayor Todd Carney, where joint funding from all three levels of government has delivered new playspaces and shared pathways, helping to keep the whole family active with the popular River Walk, water play, sand play and playground equipment free of charge.
A men’s health forum was held at Richmond, attended by Blue Mountains, Nepean and Hawkesbury residents who shared their experiences and spoke of the benefits of community connection through men’s sheds, walking groups, sport, and community service organisations, followed by a visit to Hawkesbury Men’s Shed, Last Round Boxing and North Richmond Walk It Off.
Quotes attributable to Dan Repacholi MP, Special Envoy for Men’s Health:
“Make sure you are getting a check up every 12 months. Get your blood tests, check your blood pressure, check your cholesterol. Please, go and see your GP and have those conversations. It all starts with seeing your doctor.
“But men’s health is about more than doctor’s visits. It’s about mateship, connection, purpose and community.”
Quotes attributable to Susan Templeman MP, Federal MP for Macquarie:
“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 from the Albanese Labor Government.
“It was important for Dan to hear from local groups including Nepean Blue Mountains Prostate Cancer Support Group, Hawkesbury Veteran and Family Hub, Winmalee Lions, Walk It Off, Richmond Community Services Inc, and Hope4U Foundation, as well as some of our fantastic local GPs. All these people are doing their bit to give practical support to men in a myriad of ways, much of it in a voluntary capacity.
“Dan is determined to find ways we can help break down unhealthy masculine stereotypes of stoicism and bravado to encourage men to talk to their mates, access health services and seek help when they need it.
“Across Macquarie there are groups where men can make those connections and get support, whether it’s a footy club, walking group, Men’s Shed, Veterans’ Hub, or family support service.
“And of course our Medicare Mental Health Centres in Richmond and in Penrith are there to support mental health when you need it, free of charge.”
ENDS
