Jodie Belyea (Dunkley, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Dunkley community is disproportionately impacted by suicide, with rates higher than the state average, particularly for men. This issue is close to my heart, which is why I recently invited Dan Repacholi, the Special Envoy for Men's Health, to the electorate. Dan's day in Dunkley began at Monterey Secondary College, where he spoke with year 9 and 10 boys about healthy masculinities, the influence of social media and their views on the upcoming social media ban. We then visited Chisholm TAFE to meet electrical apprentices and discuss the physical and mental challenges they face, the strategies they use to manage them and the importance of regular check-ups with their GP. The opportunities reinforced how essential it is to create safe spaces for men and boys to speak openly about their experiences with mental health and wellbeing.

We concluded the day with the Dunkley Men's Health and Wellbeing Forum, attended by 70 men, students and representatives from 14 men's organisations. The event was supported by the Man Cave, Movember and the Frankston Dolphins football club. My husband and my son, Dave and Flynn, emceed the event, with Flynn reflecting on the pressures facing young men, and the expectations and the reality that comparison can be detrimental to mental health and wellbeing in young men. Dan spoke about key health issues, including prostate cancer, body image, the importance of regular health check-ups and asking for help when you need it. Participants also heard about current research and local initiatives identifying what is working, emerging issues and the next steps our community can take. Activities throughout the event ensured the voices of men and boys were genuinely heard. It was heartening to see attendees commit to forming a Dunkley men's health network.

Last Friday I hosted Minister O'Neil's special envoy Josh Burns, Minister Kilkenny and Minister Shing at the Dunkley Housing Forum. I thank the Frankston City Council and the Committee for Frankston & Mornington Peninsula for their strong support of this forum. The forum brought together housing providers, funding bodies, investors and builders to explore practical pathways to address Dunkley's housing supply challenges. Together we examined the needs, barriers and opportunities to delivering housing stock, including more social and affordable homes.

As the federal member for Dunkley, I will continue bringing organisations together to collaborate and deliver outcomes that meet communities' needs now and into the future.