On Tuesday 17 June 2025, a multi-Rotary club event took place at the Boroondara Arts Centre on the topic of ‘Breaking the Silence on Men’s Health.'
A gathering of around 50 attendees were welcomed by Mayor Sophie Torney as she opened the event. The mayor reinforced the importance of this topic following Men’s health week and outlined a number of initiatives undertaken by Boroondara Council to tackle men’s health concerns.
The main presenters were Simon von Saldern, CEO and Director of ‘Healthy Male’, Associate Professor Tim Moss who is an expert content creator at Healthy Male and Alan White is a passionate advocate for men’s health.
‘Heathy Male’ which was founded in 2000 by Professor David de Kretser, who later becoming Governor of Victoria. He recognised a gap in support for the wellbeing of Australian boys and men.
Since its early days, Healthy Male has become a trusted source of information and facilitator of action on men’s health collaborating with the various communities, health professionals, researchers, peak bodies, partner agencies and government.
The presentation identified five male health priorities (not in order of importance) which formed the basis of the Federal Government, National Men's Health Strategy 2020-2030:
- Mental health
- Chronic conditions, including cancers
- Sexual and reproductive health and conditions where men are over-represented
- Injuries and risk taking
- Healthy ageing
The themes covered were:
- The gender gap in health outcomes
- Insights into barriers men face engaging with healthcare
- Priority health issues (e.g., suicide, cancers, chronic disease, loneliness, masculinity)
- Strategies for better health literacy and access
- Real-life experiences and policy implications
The following are key insights of the presentation:
- 75% of suicides are male
- 3% of men eat recommended fruit/veg
- Males have low screening participation
- Men’s health challenges vary by age group – with some common health concerns relating to lifestyle/diet and alcohol consumption across all age groups
- Men’s health is characterised on an intersectionality of socioeconomics, geography, masculinity, and health literacy
- A call for system-wide change such as increased funding, digital health access and holistic care models
Special thanks to:
- Boroondara Mayor Cr Sophie Torney
- Sponsor Louis Yuan, Rotary Camberwell - ABS Solutions (Financial Advice & Accounting)
- Angela Ciliberto, Rotary Balwyn
- Kim Wen, Rotary Kew
- Rotary District Governor, Michael Lapina
- Rotary Camberwell President Elect Vijay Susarla and
- President Nominee Daya Govender