A dedicated Hills community volunteer has been recognised for his long-standing commitment to connection, wellbeing and inclusion.
Mr Heath Pawley was set to receive the Ian De La Rue Award for Community Leadership from the Yarra Ranges Council on 26 January.
When Mr Pawley heard he’d been nominated for the award, he said he was “quite chuffed.”
Chair of Mountain Men, which is a Dandenongs-based community group supporting men and families, Mr Pawley said he also felt “deeply humbled” to receive the honour, which recognises service and contribution to the Yarra Ranges community.
“Just being nominated was incredibly meaningful,” he said.
Focusing on simple, accessible, in-person activities that foster friendship, skill-sharing and wellbeing, without financial barriers, the Mountain Men have been operating since late 2018.
“We’ve really focused on building internal capacity so the group can keep going without big budgets,” said Mr Pawley.
“Especially during cost-of-living pressures, we want people to feel welcome and able to participate without stress.”
Over the past three years, Mountain Men has been growing and working with other local organisations, like the Yarra Ranges Council, Mums of the Hills, Foothills Community Care and local Men’s Sheds.
Parenting programs, learn-to-cook sessions, community film screenings and joint advocacy work, including a shared pledge addressing intimate partner violence, have been on the agenda.
“Working together makes a real difference,” said Mr Pawley.
“So many groups are aiming for the same outcomes – collaboration helps us get there in a healthier way,” he said.
Joining the Mountain Men group has also offered members online support, with Facebook group allowing members to be vulnerable in a safe space.
“It’s a bit more private and focused, with chats and advice and that sort of thing,” said Mr Pawley.
A key focus of the group’s work has been supporting fathers, and after becoming a first time parent himself, Mr Pawley said he wanted to give back and with the group developed dad-focused programs that encourage connection, play and confidence in parenting.
“It’s helping dads get skills with playing and connecting with their kids,” he said.
Mountain Men now runs a dad-led dads’ group featuring hands-on activities such as crafts, nature-based play and outdoor experiences.
“For me, Mountain Men has been an incredibly important support network – not just as an organiser, but as a person,” said Mr Pawley.
“It’s a place where people respect each other’s capacity -there’s no pressure, no arm-twisting, just genuine connection,” he said.
Mountain Men runs events across the Dandenongs, running events and meetups in Emerald, Kalorama, Belgrave South and Upper Ferntree Gully.
The group welcomes men of all ages, including those who may not feel comfortable in more traditional settings.
“If you’re looking for more connection, or you know someone who is – we’d really encourage people to reach out,” said Mr Pawley.
“We’re very welcoming, and there’s a place for everyone.”
Upcoming events and information can be found via the Mountain Men website or Facebook group, where both public event listings and a private discussion space are available.
Formally acknowledged this week, the recognition shines a light not just on one individual, but on the strength of community-led connection across the Hills.
