Special Envoy for Men's Health, Mr Dan Repacholi MP will join Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care,and Federal Member for Lyons, the Hon Rebecca White MP in Tasmania today as part of ongoing national work to improve the health and wellbeing of Australian men and boys.
Mr Repacholi and Ms White will spend the day meeting with local health services and community organisations across the Midlands and Southern Tasmania, including visits to the Midlands Multi Purpose Health Centre in Oatlands and the Ross Men's Shed, before concluding with a workplace Toolbox Talk at the Boyer Paper Mill.
The visit to Boyer Paper Mill will provide an opportunity to engage directly with workers in a male dominated industry about the importance of speaking up about physical and mental health challenges and accessing support early.
As Special Envoy for Men's Health, Mr Repacholi's role focuses on championing awareness, prevention and early intervention across men's physical and mental health and strengthening engagement between government, communities and health services nationwide.
Men live on average more than four years less than women and account for around three quarters of all suicides in Australia, with suicide remaining the leading cause of death for men under 65.
Mr Repacholi said workplaces like Boyer play an important role in supporting men's health outcomes.
Quotes attributable to Dan Repacholi MP, Special Envoy for Men's Health:
"Trips like this are about getting out of Canberra and into communities to hear directly from local men, families and service providers about the challenges they are facing.
"Men's health challenges look different in every part of the country, particularly in regional areas, which is why it's so important we engage directly with communities here in Tasmania.
"Today's visits to Oatlands and Ross are about understanding what is working on the ground and how the Commonwealth can better support local solutions that keep men healthy and connected.
"The Toolbox Talk at Boyer Paper Mill is a really important opportunity to have these conversations in a workplace setting where many men feel more comfortable talking about their health.
"When men stay healthy, families and communities stay strong.
"We know many men delay seeking help because of stigma or simply thinking they should tough it out, and that can have serious consequences.
"That's why having conversations like this at work, where men spend much of their time, can make a real difference.
"Men's health isn't just a men's issue, it's a community issue."
Quotes attributable to Hon Rebecca White MP, Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care:
"Our regional communities are full of people who look out for one another, but we also know blokes often don't take the time to look out for themselves. That's why it's so important to encourage those early conversations and small steps that can make a real difference.
"Today's visits are about reinforcing that message across the Midlands and Southern Tasmania because caring for your health doesn't have to be complicated.
"A quick chat with a friend, booking that appointment, or taking a few minutes to check in with yourself can mean the difference between a small problem becoming a big one. "
