newy.com.au – Hunter men are being urged to put their health first during International Men’s Health Week, with a community lunch in Singleton aiming to make conversations about wellbeing easier and encourage preventative checks.
The 2026 Men’s Health Lunch, organised by Business Singleton, will bring workers, health professionals and local organisations together at Morgan Engineering in Singleton for a relaxed discussion about men’s physical and mental health.
Federal Member for Hunter and Special Envoy for Men’s Health Dan Repacholi MP will attend the event alongside Tammy Howell from Core Health Consulting, author of The Real Man’s Toolbox.
Free basic health checks will also be available through the Men’s Health Education Rural Van, known as MHERV, which will be on site with support from the Rotary Clubs of Warners Bay. A barbecue lunch will be provided by the Singleton Men’s Shed.
Organisers hope the informal setting will help break down barriers that can stop men from speaking about their health or booking routine checks. Men continue to experience poorer health outcomes than women in a range of areas and are less likely to take part in preventative health checks, despite early detection being a key factor in improving outcomes.
Mr Repacholi said Men’s Health Week was a reminder for men not to delay looking after themselves.
“Men’s Health Week is about one simple message, don’t put your health in the too-hard basket,” he said.
“Blokes are often more comfortable talking about footy, work or what they’re doing on the weekend than they are talking about their health, but having those conversations can literally save lives.
“Sometimes the best conversations happen over a barbecue with your mates, and that’s exactly what this event is about, creating an environment where men feel comfortable talking about their health and wellbeing.”
Mr Repacholi said men who had been delaying a check-up, blood test or conversation with their GP should use the week as a prompt to take action.
“The MHERV Van makes it easy for men to get some basic health checks done and start thinking about their long-term health,” he said.
“Looking after your health isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s one of the most important things you can do for yourself, your family and the people who rely on you.”
