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Written by Adam Goor - Acting Head of Science

Be a man - you must be swift as the coursing river

Be a man - with all the force of a great typhoon

Be a man - with all the strength of a raging fire

Mysterious as the dark side of the moon

(I’ll Make a Man Out of You – from the 1998 movie Mulan)

Seems simple, right?

As a child of the early 90s, and a high schooler in the mid-00s I struggled with the idea of what it truly meant to be a ‘man’, let alone a man who also felt like himself. As a teacher and father of boys in the 2020s I’m afraid to say it’s not gotten any easier for boys and young men. One of the greatest gifts I was given as a young man was to have a loving family, strong relationships with good men who were positive role models, and a belief that I could be truly myself and loved for it.

I know that isn’t the case for all (or even most) men. And even with all of the gifts my life has given me, I know that I fall victim to old-school expectations and stereotypes of what it means to be a man.

As Men’s Health Week approaches, I think it is important to look at the facts and data on men’s health in Australia.

Men in Australia die 5 years younger than women on average.

Every day, 50 Australian men and boys die from preventable causes before the age of 75.

9 people a day die by suicide, 7 males and 2 females on average, with men and boys accounting for 3 in 4 suicides.

72.3% of deaths of people aged 15-24 are male.

Two thirds of Australian men put off seeing a doctor when they notice a health issue, often trying to manage it themselves or waiting until it worsens.

It saddens me to think that boys and men in Australia are not as healthy – physically, mentally and emotionally – as they could and should be. With that in mind, I would like to think we can raise some awareness and help the boys and men in our community make some small positive steps to improve their health.

Which brings us to Men’s Health Week 2026, and why we are promoting it at ASC. While students sometimes forget it, outside of my role as a science teacher I am a husband, a dad, a son, an uncle, a brother, and a mate. I am lucky to know, love and care about a diverse range of beautiful and wonderful boys and men, including the boys and men I get to work with every day. It is not lost on me that in each of those relationships I am both a role model and a learner. I want every boy and man in my life to live the richest life possible, so Men’s Health Week is an important opportunity to highlight what I love about them and offer them support.

This week I am lucky enough to have the support of the College, and many of my wonderful colleagues in encouraging men and boys to make a small change to improve their health. Whether you’re a man or boy, or someone who is passionate about the health of boys and men in your life, I encourage you to think about taking one of the steps below:

1. Get Active: Whether it’s joining a sports team, going for daily walks, or setting fitness goals, movement is key to improving men’s health.

2. Schedule a Health Check-Up: Encourage the men in your life to see a doctor for routine screenings and health assessments. Early detection of conditions like high blood pressure and prostate cancer can save lives.

3. Talk About Mental Health: Open conversations about stress, anxiety, and emotional well-being can help break down stigma and encourage more men to seek support.

4. Engage in Workplace Wellness Programs: Many businesses offer health initiatives, fitness challenges, and mental health resources that support employee well-being.

5. Support Men’s Health Organisations: Groups like Men's Sheds, The Men's Table, Mr Perfect & Grab Life by the Balls provide valuable resources, advocacy, and support networks for men and boys.

Ultimately, being a man isn’t about living up to some ideal of strength or silence. It’s about showing up, looking after yourself, and looking out for each other. If this week encourages even one conversation, one check-up, or one small step toward better health, then it’s worth it. Let’s continue to create a community where our boys and men feel supported, valued for precisely who they are, and able to live well.