Real Talk, Real Change: The Power of the Dubbo Men's Growth Room
A few weeks back I had the absolute privilege of being part of something truly special, the launch of the Dubbo Men's Growth Room, an initiative driven by Lifeline Central West that I believe could change the game for how we support mental health in rural and regional Australia.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of walking into all kinds of spaces, from paddocks and pubs to town halls and footy sheds listening to stories, sharing my own, and connecting with communities doing it tough. I’ve seen the strength of our people, but I’ve also seen the silence, the kind that creeps in when someone’s struggling but doesn’t know where to turn. That’s why this project resonated so deeply with me. It’s real, it’s raw, and it’s exactly what’s needed.
The Growth Room is more than a space, it’s a safe place for blokes to chat, share a feed, and simply show up for one another. There's no pressure to be anything but yourself. Whether you're struggling, curious, or just keen for a chat, you're welcome. And that kind of open-door approach is rare, but powerful.
This project reflects what I’ve been working towards for years, helping our country communities feel seen, heard, and supported when it comes to mental health. It’s about making sure people know they’re not alone, and there’s always someone willing to listen.
When we talk about mental health, we often talk in big ideas and stats. But the truth is, change happens around the barbecue, across the table, or on the sidelines after footy training. It happens in spaces like the Growth Room, where you’re not labelled, not treated differently, but just given the space to be heard.
What stood out to me at the launch wasn’t just the buzz in the room or the speeches, it was the genuine sense of mateship and hope. People were there not because they had to be, but because they care about their community and want to be part of the solution. That’s the sort of energy that builds momentum.
We know the numbers, rural men are more likely to experience mental health challenges and less likely to seek help. That’s not because they don’t care or aren’t strong, it’s because the system isn’t always built in a way that fits our communities. The Growth Room is different. It respects local culture, meets people where they’re at, and builds from the ground up.
I’ve always said resilience isn’t a character trait, it’s something we’re forced to find when we’ve got no other choice. What we need instead is capacity, the capacity to support each other, to stay connected, and to build community around hope, not silence. And this project is doing just that.
There’s something powerful about knowing you don’t have to go it alone. And even more powerful when that support comes from within your own backyard, from people who understand what life looks like out in your community.
To the team at Lifeline Central West, thank you. Thank you for stepping up and leading the way. And to everyone who turned up, shared their story, or just listened, you’re part of something big.
Let’s keep the conversations going. Let’s keep building these spaces, in Dubbo, and in towns right across Australia. Because every bloke deserves the chance to feel heard, supported, and unbreakable.
If you're in the Dubbo region, keep an eye out for Growth Room events. Show up, bring a mate, and be part of the change.
Because sometimes all it takes to change a life is a cuppa, a yarn, and someone who gets it.