• Men’s Health-No More Secrets campaign ran from September to November 2006, with events planned by Freemasons under the umbrella of Men’s Health continuing into 2007 in various parts of Australasia.
• Since then, the campaign has continued at venues ranging from major seminars to small speaking groups.
• Some 30,000 people attended 251 men’s health events throughout Australasia (average attendance 127).
• Major sponsors were attracted in the form of beyondblue (financial, intellectual, information material and speakers) Andrology Australia, Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, Cancer Council of Australia; Foundation 49 (intellectual, information material and speakers).
• Almost $400, 000 worth of positive publicity was generated for men’s health.
• The campaign also brought together peak bodies associated with men’s health in a co-operative effort for the first time: beyondblue, Andrology Australia, the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, Foundation 49, the Cancer Council of Australia, and the Heart Foundation.
• Strong associations have also been reported by event organisers in local areas; ranging from community heath groups, local government health departments, service clubs, church groups, service clubs and associations, many of which, according to local seminar organisers, united for the first time to stage seminars.
• Freemasonry Australasia gained recognition as the first community group to run a national, structured series of Men’s Health seminars: a major logistical event which harnessed the capabilities of the six groups which administer the movement in Australia and New Zealand.
• Many new community links were formed for Men’s Health organisations throughout Australasia.
• Continuing demand for Men’s Health information material prepared for the campaign
• Attendance by Federal Health Minister Tony Abbott at his first men’s health event.
• Attendance by the State Ministers for Health at functions in South Australia and Tasmania
• Attendance by local members of parliament and local government representatives at many seminars around Australasia
• In February 2007, the National Campaign Chairman, RWBro. Greg Levenston and the chairman of beyondblue, Jeff Kennett, made a National Press Club televised address on men’s health, which revitalised the campaign’s public awareness, presenting Men’s Health and Freemasonry to a national audience
• Many Lodges and organisers report positive anecdotal responses to the initiative from participants and local communities.
What the participants said
o Good practical open comment.
o Everything was useful, thanks to the presenters and the Freemasons for putting on a great afternoon
o A very worthwhile seminar with excellent speakers. Aimed at our sons but attended by their father, preaching to the converted, but keep up the efforts
o The doctors covered a wide range of health problems arising from becoming older and the importance of visiting your GP regularly
o It was certainly worth attending.
o The whole range of information given in short bursts of information. Very valuable event.
o I found the whole presentation well worthwhile. The brochure and advertising by Grand Lodge were excellent.
o It really gave me some things to look out for.
o The speakers spoke to the subjects on hand with humour, but with stern warnings. They were well received.
o Thank you, Freemasons. I’m very grateful to you for hosting the Men’s Health seminar.
o This health seminar needs to be expanded (happen more often) with coverage to involve younger men and their partners.
o The three speakers were excellent, giving their personal experiences and a wealth of knowledge on different health problems eg. Skin cancer, heart disease, diabetes.
o All speakers gave personal views of health problems associated to men which I found exceptionally good.
o Men need to be continually reminded about “taking responsibility for own self”
o A very enlightening presentation. At near 70 years old I pondered how more advanced women in NZ are in promoting their health standards. This current presentation may lead to a movement forward to promote men’s general health problems, and wider fields.
o Interesting to see that diet and exercise can help all three main concerns; cancer, diabetes and heart.
o A lot of information has been gained. Especially on diabetes and prostate.
