International Men's Health Week: Strong Men. Healthy Minds. Connected Communities.
- Shane Warren
- Jun 15
- 2 min read
MEDIA RELEASE / AWARENESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
15th June 2026
During International Men's Health Week, the Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) encourages Australians to place men's physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing firmly on the national agenda.
Men continue to experience disproportionately high rates of suicide, workplace injury, social isolation, and preventable illness. Too often, support is sought only after problems have become overwhelming.
Improving men's health requires more than awareness it requires changing the environments in which men live, work, learn, and seek support.
VMHPAA Chair Shane Warren said:
"Looking after your health is not a sign of weakness, it is one of the strongest decisions a person can make. We need to create communities where men feel safe to ask for help, speak honestly, and take their wellbeing seriously without fear of judgement." [Shane Warren]
Mental wellbeing is every bit as important as physical health. Regular health checks, meaningful social connections, healthy relationships, physical activity, good sleep, and early conversations about stress all contribute to healthier and more resilient lives.
Many men also carry significant responsibilities as fathers, partners, carers, employers, volunteers, and community leaders. Supporting men's health strengthens families, workplaces, and communities.
VMHPAA Secretary Susan Sandy said:
"Healthy men build healthy relationships. When men are encouraged to care for themselves emotionally as well as physically, everyone benefits from partners and children to workplaces and the broader community." [Susan Sandy]
International Men's Health Week is an opportunity to encourage:
Regular physical and mental health check-ups.
Early support for stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout.
Strong friendships and community connection.
Healthy lifestyle choices that support long-term wellbeing.
Conversations that replace stigma with understanding.
This week, VMHPAA encourages every Australian to check in, not only on the men around them, but on themselves.
Strong communities are built when everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Media Contact:
Shane Warren, Chair
Susan Sandy, Secretary
Philip Armstrong, CEO