The State of Men’s Health – June 2016

Funding Support

Without the support of the Western Australian State Government, community organisation grant providers, corporate Australia and generous individuals we could not continue to deliver important outcomes for male health and wellbeing across the West Australian community.

Therefore, it is with much gratitude that we recognise a number of sources from across the WA community for their significant financial support.

• The Western Australian Department of Health has provided is with significant funding until 30 June 2017 for a sector support service. This is a significant opportunity that enables us to continue our work throughout FY2017 and demonstrates recognition and support by the Department of the need for a service dedicated to leading and driving the improvement of men’s health and wellbeing in Western Australia.
• Lotterywest provided us with a grant for some much needed marketing and office resources. In a difficult funding environment this support is much appreciated.  We have been able to utilise this funding to develop materials for use at community health and wellbeing promotion events and for promoting our key messages to raise awareness of the need to improve male health across the community.
• Turf Care WA has come on as a Gold Corporate Sponsor. Turf Care WA owner Michael Maartensz is a significant employer of men and is passionate about men’s health and wellbeing in Western Australia. Michael’s sponsorship goes a long way to supporting our activities in Men’s Health Week, WA Father of the Year, as well as our research, advocacy and lobbying initiatives.
• NIB has been very generous in their support of our Men’s Business Breakfast which is being delivered in conjunction with our partners from Diabetes WA, Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, and WAAMH. The support from NIB has ensured that the event will provide our participants with a brilliant venue, a hearty breakfast and some great take-aways.

Thanks you to all of these organisations for their much needed and valued funding support.

Driving Policy

In alignment with the AMHF – our national peak body’s call for action, Men’s Health and Wellbeing sector agenda activity is focused on:

1. Greater recognition and support from Western Australia of the National Male Health Policy 2010 and using this policy as a foundation on which to create and implement a WA Male Health Policy.
2. Ensuring this WA Male Health Policy is supported with a Western Australian Men’s Health and Wellbeing 5 Year Strategy, and adequate funding to support its implementation.
3. Seeking the appointment of a Men’s Interests Minister.
4. Driving long term thinking and planning for male health through development of a Western Australian Men’s Health and Wellbeing Pathway 2030.

To support our policy and sector agenda activities, we are forming and coordinating a Men’s Health and Wellbeing Council WA.  The Council will be made up of representatives that are a credible, diverse, and broad-based group of key stakeholders from the men’s health and wellbeing sector.  We believe this approach is essential to foster and develop the sector to support is viability and long term sustainability. We also believe that such a council will ensure a representative and relevant policy is developed on behalf of the sector and will ensure all key stakeholders are consulted and informed throughout the process.

Following a number of meetings already, it is clear we have an opportunity position male health on the political agenda in the lead-up to eh election and to generate commitments. Whilst acknowledging it is a very difficult economic environment in the short and medium terms, we will be relentless and focused on using this election cycle to achieve the best outcomes possible for the boys and men of Western Australia.