Mens Wellbeing Matters

Committee

As with most grass-roots community projects, the initiators of Men's Wellbeing Matters are a small group of people, all of whom live and work on the Mornington Peninsula, who have a vision for a more effective way of addressing men's health and wellbeing issues and, importantly, have the commitment to make it happen.

		Greg Holding is one of Victoria's most respected men's health promotion practitioners. He has qualifications in Social Work, Health Promotion and Community Development. He was the driving force behind the establishment of the Frankston Men's Shed and the award-winning Men Behaving Positively forums which were held in Frankston for four years between 2004 and 2007. Greg is a member of the Mornington Peninsula Shire's Aged Care Team.

		Joe Cauchi is a senior director with the Mornington Peninsula Shire. He is a Doctoral candidate with a Masters Degree in Social Work and a Bachelor of Theology. Joe has an extensive background in the human services with Local and Federal government and the not-for-profit sectors.

		Dr Mark Sujecki is a general practitioner on the Mornington Peninsula with a strong interest in and commitment to men's health. He graduated from Monash University in 1986 and then worked in the UK, Africa and in outback Australia before settling into general practice in Mt Martha. His interests are reflected in his work as he is involved in travel medicine, paediatrics and he helped initiate a local health project for men.

		Ted Kay grew up on the Mornington Peninsula. As a member of the Victoria Police he has worked in a diversity of roles including in the field of family violence. Ted has developed and promoted services for men experiencing a range of social problems, including perpetrators of violence. He has co-ordinated community forums addressing the issue of family violence and other family-related matters. Ted has an Associate Diploma in Business Management from James Cook University and has travelled and worked throughout Australia.

		Normie Rowe AM was Australia's most well known male pop singer in the 1960s. Like many Vietnam War veterans, Normie struggled on his return to civilian life suffering from post-trauma stress disorder and depression. He is still very active as a performer travelling throughout Australia appearing in clubs and pubs. Normie is an inductee into the Aria Hall of Fame and was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for his work with veterans, the entertainment industry and children.

		Stuart Marshall is a mechanical engineer at BlueScope Steel Westernport. Raised on a farm in Shelford in the Geelong Region, Stu completed an apprenticeship as a motor mechanic at the Ford assembly plant in Geelong. He has an Honours Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand. Stu has travelled widely as an adventurer and expedition leader in outdoor recreation. As well as maintaining an interest in men's health and wellbeing, he has a strong concern about environmental sustainability.

		Hugh Walpole is currently employed as a Social Worker with the Cardinia Casey Community Rehabilitation Service. His employment with the Rehabilitation Service (10 years) has included an ongoing involvement and commitment with men's issues that have included health, emotional and relationship concerns. He has also worked prior to his current employment with men and their families in a Community Health setting. His qualifications include a Bachelor of Social Work and a Graduate Certificate in Loss, Grief and Trauma Counselling.

		Barry Smith has been a teacher, union official, government adviser and business owner of Your Employment Solution which operated throughout Victoria. YES provided employment and training services to job seekers through the Federal Governments job network scheme. Since selling his business Barry has become involved in small enterprise development. He is Deputy Chair of the Port of Hastings Corporation, former Chair of Disabilities Opportunities Victoria, a current board member of disabilities organisation Karingal and a committee member of Communities that Care. Barry's interest in men's wellbeing was generated from his experience in delivering employment services and observing the impact health, welfare and communication skills has on life and chances. He is currently Secretary of Men’s Wellbeing Matters and is looking forward to continuing to make a positive contribution to their work.