GLENRAC's Men’s Night Out: Now a Proud Community Tradition
Men's Night Out has become a firmly established GLENRAC annual event where men show up for themselves and each other.
Capacity building - LEP23-024-11
The issue
Rural communities continue to face the ongoing challenge of supporting men’s mental health, with many still carrying struggles in silence. In 2024, over 3,300 Australians died by suicide, with men making up the majority of deaths and suicide continues to be one of the leading causes of premature mortality. These figures highlight the ongoing need for community-led, preventative approaches in rural regions (ABS, 2024).
Following the tragic loss of local young man Kayne Wells in 2024, a community-led response sparked an important conversation, and it continues to grow.
The solution
Building on the success of previous years’ events, GLENRAC delivered its 2026 Men’s Night Out, firmly establishing the much-anticipated event in the community’s calendar.
The evening brought together a diverse mix of speakers, service providers and community members in a welcoming, down-to-earth environment. Former NRL player Darius Boyd headlined the event, sharing his mental health journey with honesty and vulnerability. The evening’s MC, Lew Crothers, guided the evening, and practical physical health insights were shared by local health professionals Shane Snowden and Carlos Monterrosa-Green.
Local live music and generous donors of lucky-door prizes completed the evening, contributing to a warm, inclusive atmosphere that encouraged conversation and connection.
The impact
The 2026 Men’s Night Out reinforced its place as more than a one-off event. This valued and trusted Glen Innes community tradition is strengthened by enduring community support, partnerships with local organisations and health service providers - including the Kayne Wells Memorial Fund. Attendees connected directly with support services, such as The Salvation Army, Farmgate and Rural Psychology Services.
Men - with their loved ones - showed up for themselves and for each other, engaging openly, sharing lived experiences, connecting with local support services in a relaxed, supportive setting. The recognisable speakers, local advocates and service providers, normalised conversations around mental health and reduced barriers to seeking help.
The sustained community support demonstrates that the event is meeting a genuine and ongoing need. More importantly, it is strengthening connections and encouraging people to check in, speak up and support one another - one conversation at a time.
Key facts
- Rural communities lead with preventive strategies to improve men's mental and physical health.
- When men show up for themselves and each other, change happens - one conversation at a time.