Here’s a startling fact: men are dying from preventable diseases at alarming rates, and the reason might be simpler—and more heartbreaking—than you think. It’s not about lack of treatment options; it’s about men not talking about their health. Glen Dunkerton, a community educator with the Regional Men’s Health Initiative, is on a mission to change that. He believes the first step to a healthier life is as straightforward as it is revolutionary: speaking up and checking in with a mate.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Dunkerton argues that men’s reluctance to discuss their health isn’t just a personal choice—it’s a cultural stigma, especially in regional areas. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not about forcing deep conversations; it’s about making health check-ins as casual as chatting over a cup of coffee. The initiative is taking this message on the road, traveling across the state to community events, agricultural shows, and even local parks to offer what they call a ‘fast track pit stop’—a 10-minute health check that measures weight, blood pressure, and mental well-being.
This week, for instance, Play in the Park is hosting a free dads and kids breakfast in Albany’s Eyre Park, where attendees can chat with representatives from the Regional Men’s Health Initiative and Amity Health Communities for Children. But is a 10-minute check-up enough to tackle such a deep-rooted issue? Dunkerton thinks so. He explains, ‘The idea is simple: a quick framework that gives you a snapshot of your health. It’s about asking yourself, ‘Am I okay?’ and that small step can make all the difference.’
Here’s the kicker: men are more likely to open up ‘shoulder to shoulder’ rather than face to face. Dunkerton highlights the success of groups like men’s sheds, where guys can talk while working on a project. ‘It’s about creating a comfortable space,’ he says. ‘If health conversations can happen naturally—while fishing, farming, or watching footy—men will be better off for it.’
And this is where you come in: Do you think casual check-ins are enough to break the stigma, or does the solution require something more radical? Dunkerton’s motto is clear: ‘Before it all gets too much, talk to a mate.’ But what do you think? Is this approach too gentle, or is it the key to saving lives? Let’s start the conversation—because, as Dunkerton puts it, ‘The biggest thing is getting the conversation started.’
