Max Lyons, Bernard Higgins, Patrick Sagigi, Craig Maxwell, Kosta Papaioanou, Craig Mansour, Richard Foley, Paul Bonnett and Rhys Cummins make up the Riverina Men’s Health Centre working group. Photo: Jarryd Rowley.
The formation of a Riverina Men’s Health Centre has taken a massive step forward after the naming of a nine-man working group to bring the vision of the centre to life.
The idea for a men’s health centre was raised in 2024 following a men’s leadership forum, which was backed by the Wagga Women’s Health Centre.
Overall, men have significantly worse health outcomes than women in Australia, with higher rates of premature deaths to suicides and illnesses such as cancer.
The purpose of the centre would be to support men in healing and wellness through difficult times while also advocating for men’s mental health.
Following the forum, a petition garnering more than 1000 signatures, requested that a Riverina Men’s Health Centre be launched in Wagga.
Wagga Councillor Richard Foley then brought the request to Wagga Wagga City Council, which voted in favour of the centre should it garner interest following an expression of interest period.
The founder of the Murrumbidgee Men’s Group, Rhys Cummins, local men’s health advocate Bernard Higgins and Cr Foley then led a callout for local male leaders to join a working group in hopes of establishing a vision for the centre.
This week, the Riverina Men’s Health Centre working group held its first meeting, with nine local leaders serving as part of its inaugural working group.
“Today is a really important step for the men’s health centre. We’ve selected a working group, so there are nine of us altogether, and we’re looking to hopefully work out a bit of a vision and purpose,” Mr Cummins said.
“We’ve been really particular about who we picked to make sure it’s the right people in the right positions with the right skill sets. I think we’re a very well-rounded team.”
Joining Mr Cummins as part of the working group are Max Lyons, Bernard Higgins, Patrick Sagigi, Craig Maxwell, Kosta Papaioanou, Craig Mansour, Richard Foley and Paul Bonnett.
Mr Cummins said the community support for the men’s health centre had been strong, with strong messaging around changing the support networks for men.
“There are so many gaps for men in our community, whether that be in regards to mental health, physical health and emotional wellbeing,” he said.
“We’re hoping that if we can get this up and running, it might be a blueprint for different places around the nation that can follow suit.
“The women of our community have got the Wagga Women’s Health Centre, and they do an amazing job. They do some absolutely fantastic work, and I haven’t got enough praise for them, but it’s important for men to have that support too.”
Mr Cummins said the next step for the centre was to lay down a vision and to seek funding in 2026.
“We’ll work out a vision, what we want to look for in 2026, and different avenues that we want to go down regarding fundraising,” he said.
“We’ve picked a really motivated group to keep the ball rolling. So really excited with them, with what 2026 may look like.”
If you or someone you know needs help, you can contact:Lifeline’s 24-hour crisis support line – 13 11 14Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800 or kidshelpline.com.auMensLine Australia – 1300 789 978.
