Local Men's Network - Blue Mountains

Springwood Men's Network

November meeting

Lyn Bevington of the Bungaree Centre in Hazelbrook provided some background and an update on the Mens Issues Working Party (MIWP) operating in the Blue Mountains.

Background

the Mens Issues Working Party was formed in late 2001 in response to requests to "get something happening for men in the Mountains". The group comprised men and women, workers and residents who are interested in men's isuues. The group has been meeting quarterly since then and a major outcome has been the provision of regular community education workshops A Tool Kit for Handling Anger and groups Men Building Relationships by Boudi Maassen-Glasgow. The groups have been organised by Lyn Bevington from MOCS and Mick Barrett from Mid-Mountains NC and have been well attended. A wide range of men in different situations have attended and have found the sessions beneficial. Initially these groups were supported by small contributions from NC's and recently have been supported by $2,500 fudning we received from CDSE. Men do pay to attend as well.

Current Initiatives

Recently a number of other initiatives for men have got off the ground and Mick, Lyn and Boudi thought it could be a good idea if we all got together. Jason Hopkins was a founding member of MIWP. I understand that a new worker, Lee O'Dowd Austen has recently been employed in Jason's old job at Springwood NC. I also understand that Ken Henderson has been running a group at SNC and that Kim Hopkins is involved with another mens group at SNC which Alf is associated with. Then there is the Mens and Boys Project officer job at the K@2mba Project.

Springwood Network

October meeting