Address to the Federation Chamber, Constituency Statements

Monday 18 November 2024

Menslink has been supporting young men in the Canberra region for over 20 years through free counselling, volunteer mentoring and education programs. In that time, it has helped thousands of young men get through tough or lonely times. It helps young men reach their full potential and become the great adult men they want to be. Menslink believes everything is possible for them, their families, their mates and our community. Services are provided at no cost and are available to all young men aged 10 to 25 in Canberra and the surrounding region. Menslink's sister organisation, Fearless Women, was set up recently to provide equivalent services to young women.

I'm pleased to update the chamber on a fantastic activity which I was able to participate in last week, in support of Menslink and its goals. The Menslink Great Walk, which is now in its fourth year, was a huge success, not only raising funds for this fantastic organisation but also raising its profile and the availability of its services to the Canberra region. Journeying across our nation's capital, the five-day adventure is one of those unforgettable, epic adventures. At 142 kilometres, this trail is longer than the Kokoda Track and further than the distance to the Everest base camp. It gave all the participants—including me—a fresh perspective on our home town of Canberra. Starting at Parliament House on the morning of Tuesday 12 November 2024, we walked up to 30 kilometres per day along the Canberra Centenary Trail.

The challenge of the walk is not just the distance. Walkers raise significant funds for the cause as well, and those contributions go directly to Menslink to support its programs, which support young men and their families in the Canberra community though volunteer mentoring, counselling, and school and workplace programs. Each year, it costs over $1,800 to support one young man through counselling, mentoring and school programs. Every dollar raised is an important part of funding that effort. The programs help improve mental fitness, combat domestic violence, reduce youth suicide, increase respect and positive behaviours, and create stronger communities.

I'd like to thank Menslink Chair Michael Battenally, the board, CEO Ben Gathercole, and all the crew at Menslink for the work they do each and every day and all their efforts for this year's Menslink Great Walk event. I'd also like to acknowledge the contribution of all the walkers and their supporters. I want to give a shout-out to the sponsors as well: Threesides Marketing, Southside Physio, PSC Insurance Brokers, Geocon, Workin' Gear and Region Media. Thank you to all the other contributors for your support of the walkers and, through them, the families and young men that Menslink helps every day.