The Men's Table

By Maryanne Stuart

07 August 2024

Ms MARYANNE STUART (Heathcote) (20:09): The Men's Table is a fast-growing, community‑building, and men's mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention initiative with positive ripples into families and communities. At each Men's Table, a group of local men meet once a month over a meal in a private room to listen, talk and share about the highs and lows of their lives and how they are really feeling. Tables are established upon a simple structure and sustained through the commitment of each man to show up each month to serve themselves and to serve the other men. Each man agrees to working with the guiding principles designed to encourage a conversation that goes beyond banter, practising the ethos of sharing from the heart, listening and no fixing. I recognise the work that this incredible organisation undertakes to destigmatise mental health and promote healthy masculinities in men. I acknowledge Michael Collins, the regional host for New South Wales south, for his work in supporting tables in southern New South Wales.