In the heart of our coastal dairy-farm community of Yanakie in South Gippsland, men rise with the sun and work long hours, and often put their own health on the back-burner. That’s why the upcoming Men’s Health Night, on Tuesday 28 October 2025 (6–10pm) at the Community Hall and Settler’s Hut, is such a vital evening.
Rural men across Victoria face higher risks of chronic illness, poorer health outcomes and lower access to care than their city counterparts. For example, people living in rural and regional Victoria have higher rates of hospital admissions for cardiovascular disease (1,868 vs 1,604 per 100,000) than metropolitan Melbourne. Studies also show that farm and rural-based men often hesitate to seek help, yet connection and community go a long way in boosting wellbeing. In our own shire, the latest region profile shows that South Gippsland residents continue to face specific health-and-wellbeing challenges.
As organiser Tristan Brown explains, “We created a men’s group, the Blue Tree Project, down here four years ago. We started because we felt the need for someone, somewhere to reach out to if they felt the need.
He continued, “90% of Yanakie is made up of dairy farms and a lot of our farmers don’t really have any social life outside work, so alongside home-grown community initiatives like the share-shed, BBQs and camp-oven nights, the health night event really does help build social connection.”
Local James Whelan told the Prom Coast News, “The Yanakie Men’s Group is a real catalyst for connection and community support. I’ve lived in this area for over 50 years, and what strikes me most is how it brings together men from all walks—some whose families have been here for generations, others who’ve only just arrived.
“Everyone’s welcome. It’s a relaxed, easy space where we can share stories, lend a hand, and look out for one another. In a small community like ours, that kind of connection really matters’ he explained.
This year’s programme features guest speakers – Dr Phil Worboys, retired surgeon Neil McMullin and new addition Dr Antoun Boulis — discussing weight-loss, high blood pressure, stroke, atrial fibrillation, prostate health, sleep-apnoea and health-monitoring devices.
On arrival each attendee receives a detailed brochure with a tear-off section to ask questions confidentially. The $30 ticket via TryBooking includes a meal, bottled water and a door-prize chance; an auction will raise funds for the group’s continued voluntary work.
Space is limited, men from Yanakie and surrounding districts are urged to book early and come along for an important night of health, connection and community.
