This year’s theme, ‘See Your GP’, encourages men to have regular check-ups, not just when they are feeling unwell. Routine consultations can identify conditions early, reduce long-term risks, and improve mental well-being through trusted relationships.

In Australia, men are more likely to die from preventable causes and often lack a regular GP, leading to poorer health outcomes.

Key statistics include:

• Lower life expectancy than women
• Higher rates of substance misuse and chronic illness
• Suicide rates three times higher than women
  

Learn more about the health of Australia’s males by visiting the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

Recent research from the Mentoring Men program revealed:

• 47% of men aged 35–50 experience general stress and anxiety
• 36% struggle with maintaining relationships
• 24% are experiencing parenting-related stress
• 95% believe support would help, yet many still don’t access it.

The role of primary care

As the first point of contact for many men, GPs and primary health professionals play a key role in normalising routine health care, including:

• Regular heart and blood pressure checks
• Mental health screening and conversation
• Substance use and stress-related risk management
• Preventative testing and health education.

Every consult is a chance to make a difference. Even small interventions can help shift attitudes and support men in seeing their GP as a partner in long-term well-being.

Mental Health programs and services for men available in our catchment:

• The Men’s Table: A safe space where men gather monthly over dinner to openly and safely share life’s challenges and wins.
• Mentoring Men: A free national mentoring service providing one-to-one support for men facing life challenges.

For further resources, visit our Mental Health and Suicide Prevention pages.

What’s happening in our region?

• Frankston City Council is hosting free events for Men’s Health Week with local men’s groups – Learn more here.
• Cardinia Shire Council is hosting a Men's Health Matters Expo on 14 June 2025 - learn more here.

Campaigns and resources

Healthy Male and the Centre for Male Health have launched a new campaign urging men to prioritise their wellbeing and book a GP visit.

Visit healthymale.org.au/see-your-gp which provides practical tools to help men get the most out of their doctors' visits.