The men of Katherine marched down the main street together today to show their determination to take the necessary steps to transform their health and their lives.

The march culminated in the launch of a ‘Male Space’ at the Old Gun Club, and is aimed at inspiring all men to take action to improve their lives, their families’ lives and their community. The Male Space will be used as a drop-in centre to conduct the business and activities of the Federal Government funded StrongBala Male Health Program.

The program is part of the Australian Government’s Healthy for Life initiative and will focus on issues affecting Indigenous men including healthy lifestyles, mental health, physical health, family violence, alcohol and drug use, employment and housing. The program will also provide referral and access to a range of services including counselling, medical checks up, coaching and mentoring, employment, education and a training service.

Wurli Wurlinjang Aboriginal Corporation is utilising Healthy for Life funding to build on the success of the weekly StrongBalawan men’s health day. The Strongbala Male Health Program now operates five days a week and focuses on preventative health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men living within a 40 km radius of the Katherine Township