INTERNATIONAL Men’s Day will be recognised in Mount Isa with a barbecue at the Ngukuthati Men’s Shed on Saturday.
The local message for the day is for men to make annual medical check-ups.
Mens Shed coordinator Gary Osman said it was essential that men looked after themselves medically, for their well-being and their families.
“If any illnesses are diagnosed early it’s very manageable and can be cured in most circumstances,” he said. The international theme is stopping male suicide, but Mr Osman said the men’s shed did much work on this issue. And there was hesitation from some men in the community about double-checking on potential concerns.
Mr Osman believed the hesitation may come from pioneer roots where men needed to be seen as independent. “There’s a perception that women may think we’re weak if we admit to being a little bit vulnerable,” he said. “It’s good to get this message across to men it’s okay to feel a bit down and cry and be upset, but don’t do it by yourself.”
The barbecue is held at 70 Short Street at 11am, Saturday.
