Breaking barriers: A community BBQ supporting men’s mental health in Cloncurry

Simon Owen is the organiser of a regular men’s mental health BBQ in Cloncurry, which aims to create a healthy, safe space for country blokes to connect.

He says, while Cloncurry is fondly known as the ‘friendly heart of the outback’, it’s easy to feel isolated and lonely, particularly for men.

“I find people living in the bush are very resilient and hardworking,” says Simon.

“But with men’s mental health, I think there’s still the mindset where you just keep problems to yourself. So, by having gatherings like our barbeque, it reminds men that it’s actually okay to talk about stuff and just be a little bit vulnerable and share.”

Outback Futures helped Simon and other community organisations to get the group up and running. It offers ongoing support by providing wellbeing resources, and a male counsellor on the Cloncurry team attends the barbeque when in town for community visits.

“Doing this in partnership with Outback Futures means they can bring some of the theory and education about mental health that perhaps we’re lacking,” says Simon.

At each BBQ, Simon can see the impact the gathering is having.

“I feel like the men are building friendships and starting to open up more, which is great. And it’s wonderful hearing them chatting and laughing.”

Simon believes this initiative wouldn’t have gained momentum so quickly without Outback Futures.

Thanks to a long-term funding commitment from Morgans’ Big Dry Friday, Outback Futures can support the Cloncurry Shire to strengthen men’s wellbeing in the outback.