programs, support services, counselling, catch-up coffee mornings, drop-in spaces, community BBQs and mental health organisations.

These men’s groups and supports serve from:

Friendship-based meet-ups to support men facing hard times.

Groups that meet for shared interest activities.

Organisations that run programs for mental health that is supported and funded by the QLD Government and run by volunteers.

The importance of male-led groups can make a big difference in the community. These can include all different types of people such as fathers, grandfathers, carers, retired workers, young men, and men of all races, ethnicities, and cultures.

The purpose of this is to build strength:

Help men build relationships and communicate.

Provide support for those who may be isolated or going through a hard time.

Create safe spaces and foster friendships.

Help challenge stigma surrounding men’s mental health and emotions.

There are several in the region that focus on men who are seeking better mental health outcomes.

The common objective across these groups are welcoming, safe, and accessible.

The aim is to help break the cycle of silence around men’s mental health and to support inclusion.

Some organisations in the Mackay region that offer encouragement, support, and education for men include:

The Men’s Resource Centre (Inspire Men’s Group) – a safe and inclusive community organisation offering a wide range of support including men’s circles, education workshops and more. They focus on peer support, resilience and healing.

The Shed Happens Mackay – open shed gatherings to encourage sharing stories, support and inspiration. This group aims to “get the bloke out of the shed” and into open conversation.

Mackay Men’s Walk and Talk – informal walk meet-ups for men to walk, talk and connect.

As a guide to other men’s hubs, regular men’s support groups also include:

The Neighbourhood Hub – men’s lunch programs or regular BBQs.

Headspace Mackay – for young men and youth mental health support.

Lifeline, Beyond Blue, and Mates in Construction – statewide helplines for mental health and crisis support.

The region has men’s groups that offer tailored programs for:

Parenting and fatherhood.

Mental health and wellbeing.

Drug and alcohol support.

Domestic and family violence (DFV).

These groups not only support men in their roles as fathers, workers, friends, and partners but they also allow them to form a healthy outlook and foster emotional wellbeing.

Men can sometimes struggle with speaking up or may be afraid to seek help due to stigma, work pressure, or cultural background. These groups offer men a chance to be heard.

The stigma of “man up” or “be strong” doesn’t serve men’s health.

Many of these services (like Shed Happens, Dads and Mates) do a fantastic job and allow men to find a space to relax and be themselves without pressure or judgment.

They allow men to share their challenges and wins while offering resources, guest speakers, or just a cuppa and conversation.

The Mackay Men’s Line is a great resource. They also do D&As with other groups to support families.

This year the Mackay Men’s Day of Encouragement (Men’s DAE) is also scheduled to promote mental health and community strength.

To any men out there who feel alone, just know – there is always a place where you belong. Mackay has plenty of places just waiting to connect you with people who care.