International Men's Day | Ms Catherine Porter

Tuesday 19 November marks International Men’s Day (IMD), a globally recognised event that highlights the contributions and achievements of men in our communities, while also addressing social issues that men and boys face.

This year’s International Men's Day theme is ‘Men's Health Champions’. With a key focus on men and boys’ health, this theme seeks to emphasise the importance of physical, social, emotional, and spiritual wellness – especially when faced with surprising facts, such as that 50 Australian men per day are dying from preventable causes, before they ever reach the age of 75. Australia is considered one of the most healthy and wealthy countries in the word, and yet, the average lifespan of men is seven years shorter than that of their female counterparts.

When it comes to supporting and managing men’s health, Australia is a world leader. An example of these efforts is in the 2024 Australian of the Year co-recipient, Professor Richard Scolyer. Alongside his partner, Professor Georgina Long, he has pioneered revolutionary treatment for melanomas, a cancer that continues to disproportionately impact men.

The Touchstones form a strong foundation for what it means to be a Gentleman of Terrace. When we consider the attributes of gratitude, humility, and moral courage, the College aims to produce men with different strengths to be the best that they can be.

In the final retreats of the year, Year 6 students have learned the value of supporting one another to achieve their goals. When faced with obstacles, knowing what help you need, having the humility to ask for help, and the wisdom to discern new ways to tackle challenges are essential for success. These young men achieved more than they thought possible by building one another up, respecting each person’s contributions, and seeing every individual as a critical link in the chain.

Let us celebrate all the good men in our lives – brothers, fathers, mentors, and friends – who provide a guiding example of what it means to be a man of faith and learning.