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By Sean Carroll
A community conversation on men’s health held on Wednesday 22 October 2025 has sparked renewed local attention on how men in the Hawkesbury connect with their General Practitioner (GP) and, more importantly, how they open up about their wellbeing.
Hosted by Susan Templeman MP for Macquarie (which includes the Hawkesbury LGA) and Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi (that adjoins the northwest corner of Hawkesbury), the discussion drew around 40 participants including local councillors, health professionals, men’s support advocates, and residents with lived experience.
A Community Ready to Talk
The event, part of Mr Repacholi’s national outreach in his role as Special Envoy for Men’s Health, was designed to listen to men directly about what’s working, what isn’t, and how services can better support them.
Representatives from groups such as the Nepean Blue Mountains Prostate Cancer Support Group, Hawkesbury Veteran and Family Hub, Winmalee Lions Club, Walk It Off, and several local GPs joined the discussion. Their combined perspectives created a snapshot of a community eager to break old habits and rebuild trust in early health care.
Breaking Down Barriers
Speakers acknowledged the cultural and emotional barriers that still prevent many men from seeking medical help. Attendees shared personal experiences that revealed a common pattern: men too often delay visiting their GP until problems become serious.
Penrith Councillor Kirstie Boerst spoke candidly about her late husband’s misdiagnosis of pancreatic cancer, urging that better training and diagnostic support for GPs could save lives. Her moving account underscored why men and their families need to feel confident and heard in primary care settings.
Hawkesbury Councillor Shane Dujric also shared his story, linking his experience navigating the Family Law Court system with the toll it can take on mental health. His message was simple but powerful: conversations about men’s wellbeing must become part of everyday life not something saved for crisis points. “There is no better time than now to start the conversation about men’s health,” he said.
The GP: The Front Line of Men’s Health
Throughout the event, one message kept resurfacing that the GP is the first and most important contact point for men’s health. Whether for mental health, blood pressure checks, or early detection of cancers, a GP visit can mean the difference between life and death.
As Mr Repacholi noted, “A big thing that we’ve heard is that men don’t always have a safe space where they can go and find out what’s available in their local area.”
To address this, participants proposed the creation of a local health service directory a practical tool to help GPs and allied health professionals refer men to the right local services quickly and consistently.
Towards a Stronger Local Health Network
Ms Templeman announced that men’s health services in the Hawkesbury are being expanded, with new outreach and collaboration initiatives between primary care providers and community groups. However, she also acknowledged that communication between GPs, allied health services, and community programs remains inconsistent.
“The more we talk about men’s health whether it’s physical, emotional, or mental the more we make it normal,” she said. “It all starts with seeing your doctor.”
Both MPs have committed to gathering feedback from across the electorate to inform future improvements in men’s health policy, like previous community-led reviews on flood insurance and recovery.
Changing Attitudes Across Generations
The conversation also reflected a generational shift. Younger men, it was noted, are increasingly open to discussing mental health, while older generations often raised on the idea of stoicism are learning to ask for help.
Local organisations such as Men’s Sheds, veterans’ hubs, and walking groups were praised for fostering connection and accountability among men. These community-based networks play a quiet but vital role in prevention keeping men active, social, and supported.
A Collective Commitment
The tone of the evening was one of empathy, honesty, and shared purpose. Men who had faced serious health challenges stood shoulder to shoulder with others still finding the courage to speak up. The sense of camaraderie in the room reflected a simple truth: no man should have to face health challenges alone.
By putting men’s health back on the local agenda, the Hawkesbury community supported by its federal representatives is showing that meaningful change begins with open conversation, early action, and local leadership.
Where to Get Help – Men’s Health, Hawkesbury
Hawkesbury Medicare Mental Health Centre Richmond · 1-2 Musson Lane · 1800 595 212
Men’s Shed 23 Bosworth St Richmond · Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday & Friday 8am to 1pm
Hawkesbury Men’s Walk and Talk: Richmond · 114 March St · Free · Wed 6:15-7:15pm
Hawkesbury Community Health Centre: Windsor · 2 Day St · (02) 4587 0714
Men Walk it Off North Richmond: Wednesday Night 5.30 pm Butler’s Pantry Redbank. Its free and everyone is welcome.
If you or someone you know is struggling, talk to your GP or reach out to:
- MensLine Australia 1300 789 978
- Beyond Blue 1300 224 636
- Lifeline 13 11 14
