Event description
Last year Mens Talk and Richmond Wellbeing were proud to present the inaugural WA Men’s Wellbeing Conference, hosted at the Rendezvous Hotel in Scarborough. We welcomed a diverse range of individual community members, groups, and organisations, all with the ambition to create discussion and understanding of better mental health outcomes for men. These included Government agencies, universities, service providers, academics, clinicians, sporting and community groups, and individuals, all passionate about listening and learning from professionals in the field.
To build on this success, join Mens Talk and Richmond Wellbeing once again on the pristine Scarborough foreshore for the second WA Men’s Wellbeing Conference. Join us on Friday, June 14 at the Hotel Rendezvous for a day dedicated to advancing the conversations on men's wellbeing. Once again, we aim to bring people together to collaborate in a solution-focused environment that encourages dialogue, learning, and the sharing of best practices.
Theme: Nurturing Men’s Mental Wellbeing
This year's conference aspires to bring people from a diverse range of disciplines and fields to elevate the discourse on men's mental health and overall wellbeing. We aim to address vital aspects such as emotional health, stress management, relationship dynamics, self-care practices, and how we can dismantle societal stigmas surrounding mental health in men.
About conference collaborators:
Who is Richmond Wellbeing?
Richmond Wellbeing, celebrating its 50th birthday in 2024 is a leading provider of inclusive, community-based mental health and wellbeing support services across Western Australia.
Who is Mens Talk?
Mens Talk is a community-based organisation founded in 2021, collaborates with like-minded organisations to create events with the goal of mainstreaming conversations around men’s mental health and wellbeing.
Richmond Wellbeing and Mens Talk's growing partnership
In 2023 Mens Talk and Richmond Wellbeing established a partnership to show leadership in the sector and deliver community events to bring people together and inspire conversation, connection, and community.
At this year's conference delegates will be able to interact and network with experts and presenters keynote presentations, panel forums, and workshops; providing a forum to discuss, listen, engage, debate, brainstorm, and seek solutions.
This year's Keynote Speakers come with a plethora of experience and expertise, and we are excited for them to share their stories and perspectives.
Dr. Bruce Robinson – Founder of the Fathering Project
A respected respiratory physician who trail blazed a vision to help redefine the way we as a community now view our fathers and father figures. Dr. Robinson brings insights into fostering mental resilience and well-being in men. 2024 marks the 11th year since Dr Robinson formed the Fathering Project, to allow Dads to be the best parents they can be so their children can thrive.
Mechelle Turvey – WA Police Force
In 2022, Mechelle Turvey’s 15-year-old son, Cassius Turvey, was assaulted coming home from school. Tragically, the Noongar Yamatji schoolboy died of his injuries 10 days later. Cassius’ death sparked a national day of action across Australia, with rallies and vigils to express grief, anger, hurt and solidarity with his loved ones. Mechelle, still grieving the recent death of her husband Sam, led the march in Perth. She gave a powerful speech about her son, calling for calm and non-violence – and the need for proper care for victims of crime and their families. In 2023, Mechelle began utilising her lived experiences by training Western Australia Police Force recruits in dealing with victims of crime with empathy and support. Through her life, Mechelle has volunteered to support her community, including helping people in prison. She has donated much of the money raised for Cassius to youth organisations. Her courage, care and compassion for others are exemplary. With unique perspective from law enforcement, Mechelle Turvey shares valuable insights into the mental health challenges faced by men in high-stress professions. Mechelle has been named WA's Australian of the Year for her advocacy work to prevent violence and improve the treatment of victims of crime.
Dr. Nathan Gibson – Chief Psychiatrist of Western Australia
Dr. Gibson brings his expertise to the forefront, shedding light on advancements and strategies in mental health from a clinical perspective. The Chief Psychiatrist assists clinicians reach standards and uphold the rights of people with mental illness.
Maureen Lewis - Commissioner, Mental Health Commission
Maureen Lewis is an experienced senior executive and accomplished leader, with a proven track record in driving strategy and reform within the mental health sector.
Maureen has an extensive background working in the mental health and drug and alcohol sectors across mental health commissions, clinical services, policy, reform, strategy, planning and regulatory functions. She has experience leading and driving strategy and reform in complex service delivery environments in Western Australia, New South Wales and across the Commonwealth.
Throughout Maureen’s career, she has worked in significant leadership positions making a difference to the lives of many - some of whom are the most vulnerable people in our community - to empower individuals and families to lead fulfilling lives. Maureen is uniquely placed to lead the necessary reforms of Western Australia’s mental health, alcohol and other drug systems, informed by her grassroots clinical experience, intimate understanding of the community we serve, and extensive leadership experience across Australia.
What to expect
A day full of expertise, lived experience and discussion all about men's wellbeing!
This will consist of keynote speakers, panel discussions and your choice from multiple breakout sessions covering topics from community groups and sport, lived experience, alcohol and other drugs, suicide, and many more!
Breakout registrations will be sent out to ticket holders closer to the date.
We look forward to having you join us for the WA Men's Wellbeing Conference 2024!