Establishment of the Riverina Men’s Health and Wellbeing Centre

Vision

The Riverina Men’s Health and Wellbeing Centre will be a national first, establishing a precedent for addressing men’s mental, physical, and social health challenges through a structured, scalable framework. Headquartered in Wagga Wagga, this initiative will integrate comprehensive services, create measurable outcomes, and act as a blueprint for rolling out similar initiatives nationwide.

Enhanced Objectives

1. National Leadership and Framework Development

• • Establish the Riverina Centre as a pilot under a legislated National Framework for Men’s Health and Wellbeing Centres, ensuring consistency and quality across all facilities.
  • Design a system that aligns with existing laws and frameworks, including the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan and Closing the Gap targets for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men.

2. Comprehensive and Culturally Inclusive Services

Deliver services tailored to men’s unique health and social needs, including:

• • Mental health counselling.
  • Domestic violence prevention and corrective programs.
  • Physical health and fitness programs.
  • Legal and financial support.
  • Peer mentoring networks and workplace mental health initiatives.
  • Include specific programs co-designed with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders to ensure cultural appropriateness and community engagement.

3. Regional Accessibility and Sub-Branches

• • Launch the central hub in Wagga Wagga, supported by sub-branches in key towns such as Temora, Young, Yass, Cowra, Junee, Gundagai, Cootamundra, Tumut, and West Wyalong.
  • Establish mobile outreach services to reach remote and isolated communities, ensuring equity in access to health services.

4. Data-Driven Outcomes and Accountability

Incorporate robust data collection and reporting mechanisms to monitor service effectiveness, including:

• • Impact on domestic violence rates.
  • Reduction in mental health crises and suicides.
  • Improvements in overall health outcomes for men.
  • Ensure all reports are submitted to an independent oversight body for transparency and ongoing evaluation.

5. Funding and Sustainability

• • Secure funding through legislated guarantees, with a minimum of 1% of the Federal Health
  • Budget allocated to pilot centres.
  • Encourage public-private partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and tax incentives to support the initiative’s financial sustainability.

Key Additions

1. Independent Oversight and Governance

• • Establish the Independent Office for Men’s Health and Wellbeing to oversee implementation, funding, and reporting, ensuring transparency and accountability.
  • Create an Advisory Council comprising health professionals, legal experts, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives, and community leaders to guide policy and operations.

2. Focus on Domestic Violence Prevention

• • Develop targeted programs to address the root causes of domestic violence, providing men with tools to break harmful cycles and rebuild healthier relationships.
  • Ensure collaboration with family violence prevention services to support families holistically.

3. Youth and Veteran Support

• • Introduce early intervention programs for young men focusing on mental health, financial literacy, and healthy relationships.
  • Provide specialised services for veterans and first responders, addressing PTSD, reintegration challenges, and career transitions.

4. Long-Term National Vision

• • Commit to expanding the Riverina model nationwide based on pilot outcomes.
  • Conduct a legislatively mandated review within five years to assess progress and refine the initiative for broader implementation.

Community and National Impact

This enhanced policy reflects the strengthened legislative foundation and commits to:

• Reducing domestic violence, mental health crises, and suicides in men.
• Building healthier families and stronger communities across the Riverina and beyond.
• Creating a replicable framework for men’s health and wellbeing centres that can be implemented nationwide.

By establishing a world-class service in the Riverina, this policy positions the region as a leader in tackling men’s health challenges and creates a pathway for transformative national change.

Together, we can improve lives, families, and communities.

Read the proposed legislation here.