Men’s Night Gains Momentum
2025 Men’s Night Out gathers great crowd to promote positive mental health in regions.
Capacity building - LEP23-024-04
The issue
Over recent years the Glen Innes community has been shaken by the loss of several men to suicide. One family in particular sought to raise funds to initiate an event that would shed light on the dark topic, promote positive a mental health space and support others in the community. Showing that men in our town are important and no matter how tough it gets, there is help and you’re never alone. After a sold-out event in 2024, the 2025 Men’s Night Out was eagerly anticipated.
We don’t want to be losing our blokes to suicide. So, let’s continue the conversation.
The solution
GLENARC was successful in obtaining a White Rock Wind Farm Community Fund grant to hold the event in 2025. Local organisations have also recognised the critical need for such an event and were massive supports for this year’s Men’s Night Out. The Men’s Shed Glen Innes, the Glen Innes & District Services Club and the local RSL Sub-Branch contributed in ways that ensured the event was a stand out success. The Wells family was a significant driving force to pull the event together; guiding decisions, making speaker suggestions, providing lucky door prize donations and engaging the community to attend. The support from these community groups will enable the Men’s Night event to continue as an annual event.
Moree local Murray ‘Muz’ Hartin MCed the evening, headlining his legendary poem ‘Rain From Nowhere’, striking the hearts of all present. Keynote speaker, Sam Bailey inspired the crowd with his story of true grit and determination, farming as a quadriplegic with his wife, Jenny, in the regional community of Croppa Creek, hundreds of kilometres from the nearest major hospital. The warm country vibe was supported by musical talent, Sam Handford.
The impact
125 men and women attended the evening and left feeling whole, humbled and connected.
The stories and lived experiences shared by the speakers were real, raw and heavy, with a message: it is ok to ask for help. The harmonious combinations of speakers, their interaction with the crowd and the respect paid by the audience was palpable and commendable on all parts. It was a wonderful event to be a part of and witness.
Various service providers were in attendance also, allowing folks to learn about and engage with sources of information and help. A substantial lucky door raffle was made up mostly of Trade Mutt merchandise. Getting more of these bright shirts out into the community will ripple the start of more conversations surrounding mental health and wellbeing and getting help if needed.
Key facts
- Suicide is the leading cause of death between the ages of 15-44
- Suicide is the third highest cause of death between ages 45-64
- 75% of those who die by suicide are male with people in rural populations being 2 times more likely to die by suicide than our metropolitan counterparts
- “You’ll Never Walk Alone”