East Maitland Library Helping Maitland Celebrate International Men's Day this Friday

Maitland will join the global conversation about men’s issues and celebrate International Men’s Day at East Maitland Library this Friday 18 November, featuring prominent figures from organisations and disciplines from across the Hunter Valley.

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The theme of this year’s International Men’s Day in Australia is ‘Celebrating Mateship’ and aims to inspire more men to #MakeTime4Mates.

A buffet breakfast will bring the community together around food, with highlights of the day including a panel discussion, a special Storytime for Fathers, guest speakers and a trade display from support services for men.

There are still opportunities for the Maitland community to attend the breakfast: you can register for your free ticket to attend from 7.30am on Friday morning by visiting mait.city/imd22.

Mayor Philip Penfold said it’s all about improving male health and wellbeing, and having important conversations about issues faced by boys and men in Maitland.

‘The aim of this year’s International Men’s Day is to inspire men to make time for their mates, and it’s an opportunity for the community to come together to have those important conversations,’ Mayor Penfold said.

‘We want to highlight our local male role models, celebrate the diversity of men, and acknowledge the contribution of men to our community and our society.

‘Our event at East Maitland Library will tap into this year’s theme of celebrating mateship. We know that Australian blokes love their mates, and this day will provide the tools to strengthen and improve those social connections.’

Mayor Penfold will host a panel discussion featuring Dr Myles Young from University of Newcastle, Peter Lewis formerly of the Newcastle Herald, and Rob Hoile, Project Manager for Parents Beyond Break Up to stimulate important conversations in the community.

‘Conversation around men’s health is becoming more commonplace in society, but there is still a lot of work to do and we want to help give men the tools to help and celebrate one another,’ Rob Hoile said.

We’ll also be launching Peers Walk, a new suicide prevention program from Parents Beyond Break Up that aims to reduce the shocking rates of suicide among men and provide an avenue to share experiences in a healthy way.’

Council committed to delivering community events for both International Men’s Day and International Women’s Day in its Operational Plan 2022/23.