Nursing Australia

Ep. 97 In Focus: Men’s Health

Matthew St Ledger, Leith Alexander, APNA, Nursing Australia, Season 6 Episode 97

Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions of suicide and mental distress. If you feel affected, support is available. You can call Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, or reach out to a trusted health professional. 

Welcome to 2026. This episode is all about men’s health, with an emphasis on mental health.  

The latest Nursing Australia News (03:45) Primary care boost, PHC Nurses Day, hospital funding deal 

Segment 1: A Chance for Change (05:43)  

A chance for Change. Thats the name of a grassroots organisation that wants to break apart the stigma that stops so many of us from opening up and talking about how we’re feeling. A change for change was started by a bunch of blokes – a bunch of tradies and a decade later its still going strong. One of the organisation’s directors, Nathan speaks with Leith and I from a personal and organisational perspective, and he shares some alarming stats.  

Segment 2: The Pollie who couldn't talk to a doctor (22:15) 

Dan Repacholi is a member for Hunter in NSW and Special Envoy for Men's Health.  A few years ago, Dan was too embarrassed to speak with anyone - especially a doctor - about his weight. Dan says too many men forgo seeing a doctor out of feeling embarrassed, not knowing how to talk about an issue, or because they're under the impression that they need to be “tough” and just move on. Dan finally did see his dr and since then his health has changed dramtically. For nearly a year, Dan’s been on a mission to make it more normal for men to talk openly about their health to each other, their family members and their doctors. Dan is an MP, former tradie, olympian, father and husband. 

 

Handy Links: 

Lifeline - 131114

Beyond Blue - 1300224636

A Chance for Change

A Chance for Change - instagram 

A Chance for Change - Facebook

Dan Repacholi - Instagram

Dan Repacholi - Facebook

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Hosted & Produced by: Matthew St Ledger & Leith Alexander
Produced by: Leith Alexander & Matthew St Ledger