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The inaugural International Men’s Day Celebration took place at Parliament House, Committee Room 1S3 from 12.15– 1.30 pm on Thursday 19 November. Parliamentarians and members of the press gallery were invited to attend this historic occasion.

Dr Elizabeth Celi, psychologist and men’s health author, was the keynote speaker. Dr Celi has been featured on both TV and radio discussing men’s health and the challenges faced by men. She is a gifted speaker and is highly regarded within the Australian men’s movement.

Supporting speakers included Phil Gouldson, former president of Men’s Health & Wellbeing in Canberra, Geoffrey Greene, president of the Shared Parenting Council, Paul Whyte, Sydney Men’s Network and Men’s Health Australia and well known ACT men’s health advocate Dr Tim O’Neill.

International Men’s Day (IMD) began on 19 November 1999 in Trinidad and Tobago through the efforts of Dr Jerome Teelucksingh and was supported by the United Nations. The event received wide support from men's groups in USA, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. Speaking on behalf of UNESCO, Ms. Ingeborg Breines, Director of Women and Culture of Peace said: “This is an excellent idea and would give some gender balance”, adding that her organisation was looking forward to cooperating with IMD. Diane Sears, editor of ‘In Search of Fatherhood’ and USA coordinator said, “The world needs men. Men are the key architects of our bridge to the future. And our children are our future – our bridge to the future. Yes, men are necessary. Every day in their usual unassuming way, men offer each of us valuable life lessons.” With Diane’s words of encouragement we can all get out of our comfort zone and celebrate ‘International Men’s Day’.

Uma Challa is the coordinator for the International Men’s Day, India. She said, “Men render many services that make the society comfortable for everyone. Men make many contributions to science, technology and the health of all. Men perform the most dangerous and difficult jobs in the world. Men take risks and die to save other lives during calamities and war. Men bring humor into our lives and make us laugh.”

Warwick Marsh coordinator of the global website for International Men’s Day said, “Excitement is growing around the world as we network with other countries that are already celebrating International Men’s Day or are coming on board for the very first time. The great thing about this year’s celebrations in other nations is that over half of them are being organised by or feature prominent women. This shows the enormous groundswell of support from the women of the world to encourage and help men. Women everywhere are calling for the governments of their countries to address the issues that ordinary men face every day. Dr Elizabeth Celi’s wholehearted support for International Men’s Day shows this to be the case.”Objectives of International Men’s Day include a focus on men’s and boy’s health, improving gender relations, promoting gender equality, and highlighting ‘positive male role models’ the theme for 2009. It is an occasion for men to highlight the many challenges they face and an opportunity for the broader community to celebrate their achievements and contributions, in particular for their contributions to community, family, marriage, and child care.

“It is amazing what happens when men get together. Here in Australia a few friends got together over a beer in the city of Melbourne and started what is known as ‘Movember’. Movember has raised millions of dollars for men’s health and is now celebrated around the world. Historically 19th November is also an important day for Australia. It was on that day in 1941 that 645 men paid the ultimate sacrifice when the HMAS Sydney was sunk during a naval gun battle in World War II. Lest we forget!”

“Let us be thankful for the men who gave their lives that we might be free and let us appreciate those men who still sacrifice today to make this world a better place.”

Contact: Warwick & Alison Marsh www.internationalmensday.com 0418 225 212 or 02 4272 6677 info@fatherhood.org.au