By KATH GANNAWAY
A GROUP of Yarra Ranges men are encouraging others to take a punt over the Melbourne Cup weekend and join them at Phillip Island for Menergy 2013.
Menergy is an opportunity to explore the themes of manhood with other men in a spirit of respect and fellowship.
Don Valley physiotherapist Richmond Heath said he has been involved with men’s groups for about eight years and attended a similar event in Queensland last year which inspired the inaugural Menergy last year.
“My primary interest was to create a space for men who had not done any men’s work or gathered in a conscious or deliberate way, to experience it for the first time,” Mr Heath said.
He said for a lot of men, including himself, this type of gathering is the first experience of being around men that isn’t a footy club or pub, and where there is a genuine interest in supporting men to be more of who they need and want to be.
“Some men can be nervous about going to men’s groups; sometimes a bit nervous about opening up or sharing their vulnerabilities, difficulties or struggles, that’s quite common,” he said.
“Invariable, though, men find it quite relieving, supportive and beneficial to be welcomed and witnessed by other men in a trusting and respectful way.”
Last year’s event attracted men from 18 to 80-plus, from all walks of life and some of whom had done lots of men’s gatherings and some who had never ventured on that journey.
The theme this year is ‘Journey into the deep’.
Part of the weekend will be about sitting and talking but Mr Heath said there will also be a wide range of workshops such as managing finances and depression in men, sports and other activities, along with opportunities for deeper and more intimate discussions.
Yarra Junction committee member Murray Goodchild said Menergy organisers had seen the immediate results of when men get together, share stories and learn from each other.
“We firmly believe that the ongoing result of the event will be healthier, happier men, in turn benefiting their families, networks and the community at large,” he said.
The event will run over three days from 1 to 4 November at Grantville Lodge near Phillip Island and is an Open Ground Gathering which is endorsed by not-for-profit organisation Men’s Wellbeing.
For more information visit www.menergy.org.au or phone 0409 357 964.
