We're looking for dads who have been involved in family law proceedings.

The Commonwealth Government is conducting an inquiry into Family Law in Australia.  More details about the inquiry and information about how to submit can be found HERE.
Men’s Resources Tasmania plans to write a submission to this inquiry.  MRT is seeking some general feedback on people’s experiences of the family law system.  We aim to provide evidence to inform the inquiry of the some of the experiences of some men.
We understand some of these issues are complex and can sometimes bring on strong feelings of anger and resentment.  As an unfunded, volunteer run organisation we are not able to offer support for people dealing with these issues, or to advocate on behalf of individuals.  If you wish to share a story, please do at the end.  While we may reference all or part of a story to inform our submission, we cannot guarantee that your story will be included.  
This survey is aimed at fathers who have had involvement of the family law system.  However, if you are a stepfather, grandfather or male carer of children and have been involved in family law disputes, you are also welcome to contribute your experiences.

Submissions to the Parliamentary Inquiry are due by 18 December.  Our submission will, therefore be based on survey results received by close of business Friday 13 December.  
If you have questions about the inquiry, you can contact the committee secretariat.

·      Phone: +61 2 6277 3439
·      Fax: +61 2 6277 5809
·      familylaw.sen@aph.gov.au

Thanks to everyone who sponsored, came along, provided and bought prizes at our second annual event.  We'll share some more new soon.

We're gathering again to celebrate International Men's Day for 2019 - with the theme Let's Talk About Men.  You're invited to join us for a barbecue breakfast at The Goods Shed, Macquarie Point from 7.30am on Tuesday 19 November.

Paul Hudson, player of 245 AFL games for Hawthorn and Western Bulldogs, coach and now father will share some of his experiences and insights, and maybe his thoughts on an AFL team for Tassie?

John X will MC proceedings, and some live music will help us to celebrate International Men's Day and the contributions men to our community and families.
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There are still opportunities for organisations to sign up to have a table at the event. Download the Registration form below..
We're also looking for more sponsorship and prizes to raffle or auction off. Get in touch at info@mrtasmania.org
Please share the poster with your networks.

The challenge has been completed, and the folks at Van Demon Fitness in Mornington have generously given up their time, and considerable energy to raise funds for MRT.  This was no lightweight challenge. VDF members completed a 5 km row  within 20 minutes - not just once, but every hour for 24 hours.  We're incredibbly grateful for the money raised.  We'll let you know more soon.

All funds raised will go to the work of Men's Resources Tasmania Inc.
Thanks to Van Demon Fitness an Eudoxia

Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service are championing Tassie's wonderful wild and natural places for healthy activities.  Coming up on Sunday 15 September, They's hosting an event at Waterworks Reserve in Hobart.  Of course there are plenty of other parks across the State, easily accessed for a couple of hours of fun, with the kids.  Parks have also produced this little list of tips for healthy picnic and barbecue options.

You are invited to take part in a research project looking at Mental Health and Ageing.
Do you have 15 minutes to contribute to scientific research? Danielle Herreen from the School of Psychology at the University of Adelaide is looking for volunteers to complete a brief survey about Mental Health and Ageing. 
The survey will ask you to rate the extent to which you’ve experienced certain feelings and behaviours over the past few weeks, as well as your level of agreement with common statements about what it means to be a man or a woman. The survey should take no more than 15 minutes to complete and you could even win one of three $150 EFTPOS gift cards. Participation in this study is entirely voluntary and you are free to withdraw from the study at any stage prior to submission of the survey.
The information collected in this study may help to improve our understanding of how mental health symptoms differ for men and women across the lifespan, leading to better recognition and diagnosis of mental health problems.
To participate in the study, click the button below.

This study has been approved by the University of Adelaide Human Research Ethics Committee (approval number H-2019-109). 

There have been a few fantastic articles in the last few months that explore the issues around masculinity, and broaden it from simplistic notions of toxicity and health.  One of late was that by David Leser in the Sydney Morning Herald. There's powerful paragraph early in the article from a book by Eve Ensler, feminist writer of the Vagina Monologues. It describes a deep anguish experienced by a soldier that opened Enslers eyes to the experiences of men she had previously not understood.  

The article goes on to explore a range of topics, including the idea that stereotypes of men (and women) continue to be perpetuated.  Amongst the various spaces that stereotypes have been challenges against in the past 30 years or so is through the various men's groups and gatherings that have developed around the world, including in Tasmania.  

Often people wonder about young men and how we can help them to explore their own masculinity in healthy ways.  There are various programs and organisations doing work with these young men, the leaders, politicians, and business leaders of tomorrow.  Some schools run programs in year 9, exploring different approaches to education at a time when many young men struggle to stick with the system. Coming up in early September is another camp with Community Rites of Passage, happening on Bruny Island.  Nick Hall, of Nick Hall Adventure Therapy is one of the leaders, recently profiled in a local Hobart publication.  He'll be helping out on their next camp at Bruny Island from 5-8 September.  There is still space on this camp, and more camps coming up in the future.  Rites of Passage programs such as these, provide concrete ways for boys to see a diverse range of masculinities, see intimacy between men supporting each other, sharing stories and experiences, learning when and how to be strong in vulnerability, 

Can you help us ensure that the booklet stays current, and available to men and boys in our community?

The Tasmanian Community Fund generously supported the redesign and printing of the Blokes Book in 2017.  It has been great that we have been able to provide the resource to community organisations, private businesses and individuals for free.  How can you help?
 
We are looking for support in various ways:
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1. A direct tax-deductible donation, that you can make at: http://www.givenow.com.au/support4menandboys
2. Direct sponsorship of the book, with a $500 contribution that will entitle you to having your logo on the back cover of the Blokes’ book, and acknowledgement of your support on a new supporter’s page on the website.
3. If you would like to help with increased levels of financial support or other in-kind contributions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

We have almost finished a check of the current information.  To ensure information is up to date please let us know of any changes you are aware of - check your organisations listing.  please email your suggestions us ASAP.

Healthy Shed kicks off  Tuesday the 30th of July - Rocherlea

Download a poster to share with your network, or post at your workplace
 
This is a free program that will help participants live a healthier lifestyle, bringing heaps of different types of sessions to your community including:

• Easy ways to be more active
• Tips and tricks for healthier eating
• Know your local services
• Managing your mental health
• Back pain management
• Looking after your financial health
• Understanding medications, plus heaps more

Healthy Shed will be held at The Shed on 12 King Billy Crescent, Rocherlea. Sessions are on Tuesday afternoons from 1.00pm till 2.00ish every week between  July 30 – October 29. While we’d love you to come to all the sessions, you can come to as many or few as you like. For more information about the program please see attached flyer or give Hayden a call on 0438 386 025. It helps us if you are able to register before, but you can just turn up on the day. Registration details are below.
 
How to register?
·        Fill in your details just ONCE by downloading the “I’m In by Healthy Tasmania” phone app available on iOS and Android (App Icon looks like the image attached). Then simply bring your phone along when you come to a session and scan the QR code on your phone with the session coordinators phone (If you have already downloaded the app and used it at a session, please update the app via the App Store (Apple) or Play Store (Android)) OR

• Register online at http://www.healthytasmania.com.au/Registration or complete the paper based form attached to the poster above

Health Consumers Tasmania is promoting the following consultations for people who use health services, their carers and community representatives. ​

Standards for Primary Health Care 

The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care is developing standards for primary health care providers other than General Practices. This includes, but is not limited to, areas like community nursing, dentists, pharmacists, chiropractors and psychologists. 

Topics for debate include whether accreditation is needed, and what information consumers should be able to access from or about their providers.  

Health consumers and community advocates are invited to the following two consultation sessions:   
Launceston: Tuesday 23 July, 11pm to 1pm, Harcourts Launceston Training Room, 112-114 George St
Hobart: Wednesday 24 July, 12 pm to 2pm, Heart Foundation, 1/89 Brisbane St 

Note - the Commission is conducting separate consultations sessions for clinicians.
Please rsvp to Kate Griggs at zephyr.cruisin@yahoo.com.au.  

Further information about the new standards is available at www.safetyandquality.gov.au/our-work/primary-health-care/.   

Rehabilitation and Geriatric Evaluation and Management 

Health Consumers Tasmania is using its next 'open meeting' in Hobart to facilitate conversation about Rehabilitation and Geriatric Evaluation and Management. 

Current and previous patients, carers and community advocates are invited to attend. The Department of Health will also be attending to consult on a new ‘Model of Care’.

A light lunch will be provided, and a short pre-reading document will be sent out to registered participants prior to these events.
Hobart: Wednesday 7 August, 12 pm to 2pm, Heart Foundation, 1/89 Brisbane St 
Please rsvp to Kate Griggs at zephyr.cruisin@yahoo.com.au. 

Note – initial consultations have already been conducted for Burnie and Launceston, however we are happy to facilitate any further conversations health consumers may wish to have.