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This year, Men’s Health Week takes place from 10–16 June, providing an opportunity to highlight the importance of men’s health and to promote and support the health and wellbeing of men in Boroondara.

This year’s focus is on ‘mateship’; that is, the social connections between men, the ways to improve those connections and what the benefits of these connections mean for men’s health. 

Men’s Health insights from AFL Hall-of-Famer

Our main event as part of this year’s Men’s Health Week program is a breakfast event with AFL Hall of Fame player and premiership coach Mark ‘Choco’ Williams.

Mark’s history as a player and coach, and his background in teaching, have shaped his unique perspective and experiences related to men’s health. 

As our special guest at this Hawthorn Arts Centre event, Mark will share his insights into mental health, resilience and social connection. Read below to find out more. 

Other events this Men’s Health Week 

To help promote awareness of Men’s Health Week this year, we’re hosting a variety of interesting and fun events for local men to engage in. 

These include:

  • Men’s Health Week Breakfast with Mark Williams – Hawthorn Arts Centre, Friday 14 June.
  • Active Movers Class with Ed Wakeham – Camberwell Library, Thursday 13 June. 
  • Youth Boxing Class (suitable for 16 to 25-year-olds) – Hawthorn Aquatic and Leisure Centre, Friday 14 June. 
  • This is Your Body Nutrition information session – Boroondara Youth Hub, Thursday 13 June.

Click on the event tiles to find more information about these activities and to register to attend.

Men's Health Week events

The importance of friends 

Across Australia, 1 in 8 men are likely to experience depression in their lifetime and 1 in 5 are likely to experience anxiety.

43% of men experience loneliness and 24% of those between 35–49 years of age report high levels of loneliness. 

These experiences can continue as men age and can often coincide with periods of significant life changes for men. 

We know that mateship keeps men healthy (AMHF 2024) and these statistics demonstrate the important role that having friends can play in a man’s life and on his happiness and wellbeing. Find out more information about these statistics and further details around men’s mental health in the gendered nature of loneliness article from the Healthy Male. 

Learning more about Men’s Health 

Our Libraries team has also developed a list of books for you to learn more about physical and mental health and wellbeing topics.  

Ways to increase your social networks through groups and programs like: