A little about ourselves




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WHAM Inc. was born out of community concern regarding the spate of suicides in the SH – particularly in the Bundanoon area over the 1998 – 99 period. This loss of life reflected the overall trend for men to be over-represented at the rate of 3-4 times that of women.
In this context and following a series of public meetings WHAM Inc became incorporated in 2001 with local community membership with a real sense that a different response to engaging men was needed in community where it appeared that women communicated and sought help much easier than men. There was a gap in male friendly supportive and specific groups where men could seek help .  In fact – the research was showing that men needed to be encouraged to seek help – and best before the crisis.

Men’s Health Rego Checks – 2001 onwards where men were encouraged to take advantage of health discussions, information and checks and do something about it.  Conducted at work places,  local fairs and Clubs, men could easily access a chance to talk health in a non clinical setting.

Bowral Community Men’s Shed 2003 

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  Bowral Men’s Shed was established through grants obtained by WHAM Inc  through Dept of Veteran Affairs, IMB Community Foundation, and local Council Grants.


​Bowral Men’s Shed  - Early days!
​​In  partnership with Unitingcare , WHAM Inc was proud to found one of the first Men’s Shed’s in Australia
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Promoting Men’s Line 2004


                                





​  Encouraging Help seeking behaviour 
​2005 – Men’s Health Night –  Hilltop where men gathered to hear presentations about men’s Health specific issues that set the foundation for the current Men’s Health Nights that run in November and are attended by over 100 people a night.  

   
Men's Health Month in the Highlands

Below is just one excerpt about just one night: courtesy- Southern Highlands News.  

​Men's Health Month in the Highlands

MORE than 100 people heard about the importance of men exercising, as part of the fourth and final talk for Southern Highlands Men's Health Month.

Dr Terry Flynn, the Wingecarribee Health Association for Men (WHAM) patron, said the community's response had been overwhelming and its demand for more provided his association with an enormous boost of encouragement. St Jude's Church auditorium in Bowral was filled last Monday evening to hear several experts speak about a range of men's health issues.
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Dr Vince Roche spoke first, and noted that Dr Flynn had benefited from having a healthy exercise regime when he was involved in a nasty car accident a couple of years ago, which aided in his survival and recovery.
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Dr Simon Grant pointed out that Australia was facing a silent pandemic of diabetes, as a result of the aging population, rising obesity, dietary changes and sedentary lifestyles.

Dr Shirhan Ho introduced various bariatric procedures that are used to assist in the fight against obesity.

Who would have thought that seeing a dentist would be such an entertaining event, however, Dr Patrick Meaney did just that when he introduced dental health for men. While only 57 per cent of men would have visited a dentist in the last 12 months they usually visit for a problem and were more likely to lose teeth to decay. So it is no wonder everyone seemed to have a question.
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The take away message from this year's event was to establish an early relationship with our health professionals as this would usually prevent any substantial surprises later. With feedback on several subjects that people were interested in hearing about, WHAM will be working towards more information nights and a tenpin bowling fundraiser in the new year.
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Mentoring Towards Manhood 

- established in 2008 Onwards