Luke Hambleton, a resident of Tannum Sands in central Queensland, grew up suppressing his emotions with a “she’ll be right” mindset learned from his father. However, the tragic loss of one of his employees to suicide, followed closely by his grandfather’s passing, forced him to confront the limitations of this approach.
“I didn’t see the early warning signs, and he took his own life,” Hambleton lamented, reflecting on the toll of bottling up emotions. “I thought a good night on the beers would fix it…but the mental health tools that I had were pretty worn out and useless.”
Hambleton’s story is not unique. Many men in regional Queensland grapple with similar challenges, but there’s a growing movement to address them. Aaron Schultz, founder of the Outback Mind Foundation, oversees 11 men’s circles across the region, providing spaces for men to open up without judgment.
“I can give examples of a dozen families that still have fathers because of the work we do,” Schultz affirmed, emphasizing the life-saving impact of these initiatives.
Schultz’s insights from working within Queensland’s prison system revealed a common thread among men involved in domestic violence offenses: difficulties in managing emotions. “We’re trying to educate guys on how to take a proactive approach…rather than being reactive,” he explained, highlighting the importance of emotional intelligence and self-awareness.
Psychologist Helen Madell from Rockhampton underscored the significance of safe spaces for men to bond and encounter positive role models. “Men getting together and actually doing men’s business is very important,” Madell stressed, acknowledging the vital role such gatherings play in fostering mental well-being.
For Luke Hambleton, participation in a men’s circle has been transformative, equipping him with the tools to be a better husband and father. “It’s given me a vocabulary…to explain my feelings and understand other people’s feelings,” he shared, illustrating the profound impact of these support networks on personal growth and family dynamics.
In Rockhampton, Jesse Jorgensen is involved with Walk n Talk, a recently established group dedicated to combating social isolation and promoting mental health among men. Drawing from personal experiences, Jorgensen emphasizes the importance of breaking down barriers and creating spaces for open dialogue.
“We hold space for men in the community to come out, meet some friends, socialize, try and break down that isolation and just connect,” stated Jordan Meehan, co-founder of Walk n Talk. Meehan’s own journey through anxiety and isolation in the mining industry inspired him to create a platform where men can find solace and support.
Through these grassroots efforts, men in regional Queensland are forging paths toward improved mental health and stronger familial relationships, one conversation at a time.
