​​​​​
​
Mr President. I rise today to bring to your attention that 19 November is International Men's Day. Many people listening today and in this Chamber probably do not realise that it is a special day for men, however, we are trying to spread the word. After participating in a breakfast event this morning, organised by Men's Resources Tasmania in celebration of the day and attended by both men and women, I take this opportunity to reflect on the purpose, significance and implications of this global occasion. I also thank other members in this place, the member for Nelson, for recognising IMD on her Instagram account.
The IMD movement focuses on the worldwide positive value that men bring to their families and communities and to raise awareness of men's health and wellbeing. There are six key objectives to IMD that apply equally to all males, irrespective of their age, ability, social background, legal status, race, beliefs, sexual orientation, or gender identity. These objectives are: (1) valuing male role models; (2) acknowledging the contribution of men and boys; (3) improving male health; (4) tackling discrimination and disadvantage; (5) fostering positive gender relations and; (6) making the world a safer place for everyone.
This year's theme for IMD was Men's Health Champions in response to the aforementioned health commitment. A staggering fact is that 50 Australian men a day are dying from preventable causes before they reach the age of 75. Australia is one of the healthiest and wealthiest countries in the world, yet men born in Australia still die an average of seven years younger than women born in Australia. In Australia, men's issues also include: the fact that three out of four suicides are men, two out of three violent deaths are men, boys underperform girls at every stage in education, and dads who want to be involved in their children's lives face a range of barriers. These alarming facts provide a clear and concise representation of why IMD conversations and actions are so vitally important.
We are also faced with the problem of young men being influenced online by toxic role models. The real world for our young men is where they can learn what it is to be part of the community where respect, kindness, patience, and tolerance can be learnt and practised. We all have a part to play in supporting them to become the men their families can be proud of.
One of the ways in which I personally chose to get involved in IMD was to sponsor a local event, BBQ AT BELLSY, which was held this year on Sunday 17 November in my electorate of Bells Parade, Latrobe. This is the second consecutive year I have supported this free family picnic, which is open to everyone to celebrate IMD and enjoy a fun day out in a very relaxed atmosphere and beautiful natural environment. As part of the festivities there was a barbecue lunch for patrons provided by the Latrobe Community Shed Group, a range of sporting and recreational activities, live music, community group displays, health and wellbeing checks, a medieval fighting display, and displays by the Mustang Car Owners Club and the Veteran Car Club of Tasmania, North West.(names tbc)
Unfortunately, the barbecue was adversely affected by poor weather and we needed to close the event down after only one hour. However, it was nice to receive positive feedback and to know that one and all will be returning for the hopefully less inclement 2025 event on Sunday 16 November. I would like to personally thank all those individuals, sporting groups, car and community clubs and patrons for their support of this event.
Another men's event I attended last week in my electorate was the Bandicoot Long Lunch. This semiregular gathering is aimed at reconnecting retired farmers, professionals and agricultural representatives. I was provided with the following information by one of the organisers, Mike Blythe.
The term bandicooting is a country term used when locals would help themselves to produce from a farmer's crop and only ever take enough to secure a meal or two for the family. Farmers will also bandicoot other farmers with different crops. It was the done thing that non-farmers would then give back to the farmer in other ways like fixing fences, helping bale carting et cetera. It is pleasing to note the Bandicoot Long Lunch carries on with this tradition. It is indeed a great opportunity for a global conversation about men's issues. However, there are some wonderful men's groups throughout our state championing the cause of men's issues all throughout the year, such as MRT, ManUp! Tasmania, The Men's Table, SPEAK up Stay ChatTY, Men Care Too and Men's Shed groups are great places to connect with information, podcasts, resources, advice, mateship and events listing.
Incidentally, November is a monthlong campaign to raise awareness about men's health, challenges stigma around men's health issues, spark conversations and promote early detection and intervention. There are many ways to observe International Men's Day. Today is a great day to acknowledge, discuss and celebrate International Men's Day. Thank you.​
​
International Men's Day
Hon. Mike Gaffney MLC
Member for Mersey
​
19 November 2024