MACHS Planning Meeting

Venue: St Martins, Berwick Street, Port Noarlunga South

PRESENT: Colin Burns, Ross Simons, Les Page, Gaynor Hallows, Jules Van Kekem, Vicky Rowland, John Gordon, Peter Tregilgas, Sean Rosewarne, Jim Walker, Mick Piotto, Andrew McCrae, Philip Crouch,

APOLOGIES: Malcolm Ellis, David Kelly,

1. Constitution Draft 1

Considerable discussion ensued in regards to the Vision and Mission statement component of Constitutional draft 1 - MACHS Inc.  In consideration was how the signed collaborative statement at the Common Ground Conference could facilitate MACHS aims and objectives.  It was decided that it is important not to loose the in principle support and commitment generated at the conference.  All members have taken a current draft copy home and will receive an update of adjustments from this meeting.  Philip will distribute copies of draft 2 in early June, with responses to be returned via email, alternately by post.  

A formal constitutional draft meeting is to be held on

Thursday 28th June at ACM, 111 Beach Rd, Christies Beach.

2. Brief History Of MACHS

Vicky outlined in brief the early history of MACHS from the public meeting 17/12/1998, through to a partnership in The Men Event 200 at the south Adelaide Football Club until the Common Ground Conference.  It was felt that as a committee we have made our presence felt in the Onkaparinga region.

3. Post Conference Outcome - Update

An evaluation report is being developed by Jules and Peter and this will be made available at the next meeting on the 28th June.  Recommendations from the workshops will be considered and action taken to implement the recommendations over the next 12 months through potential public workshops or forum based activities.

4. Future Potential Workshops/Activities

Les has been in discussion with Stuart Purvis from Elizabeth House Community Centre with the view to develop more public activities for MACHS to commence on a Monday evening. Stuart is supportive of what MACHS is trying to achieve with 'The Men's Place in the future.

Men's Journeys support group, Common Ground Singers, and the Men's Journeys Theatre Group will meet over successive Monday nights. If arrangements prove successful MACHS will book the venue until a review in December. The venue can also cater for any additional MACHS activities including forums, workshops and similar activities.

5. Public Forum Ideas

Discussion around the idea of presenting a formal public forum in the near future based on potential policy issues, conference workshop recommendations, and similar activity was placed on hold until the incorporation and related action has been established. The general consensus was to consolidate present activities rather than be unprepared for broader community based action.

6. Men's Journeys Publication

Mick, Philip and Colin informed the committee that the next publication would be released in the middle of June following an editorial committee meeting. Graham Richard a community member is also assisting the team. The next issue would be upgraded to eight pages.

Funding sources from the special men's grants funds from Noarlunga Health Services support this and the following issue. Content and materials will continue to focus on issues connected to the south. The City of Onkaparinga will again be asked if they are willing to provide a 'mail out' to readers through David Kelly.

7. Common Ground Singers

Identifying suitable premises, post conference activities, developing the constitution have all impacted on organising the reconvening of the Common Ground Singers - all male group. However, many of the original members are interested in commencing soon. Philip and Jules will notify existing members and potential new participants of the venue within the next two weeks.

8. Men's Journeys Theatre Production

Philip has held informal discussions with Don Chapman the City of Onkaparinga's cultural development officer with the view of developing a small interactive play that includes song/comedy/audience response to be held at the community arts centre, Port Noarlunga on the 23rd November 2001.

9. The Men's Place Sub Committee

The sub committee for The Men's Place has now reconvened following the conclusion of the conference based activities. Sean , Les , Vicky , Colin, and Philip and Malcolm Ellis will be asked if he would like to participate as an original member of this sub committee.

Mick suggested that as a committee we would need to develop more formal policy initiatives and have clear objectives that are not entirely focused around information resource activity. Information is seen as NHServices core business service delivery.

10. SA State Men's Conference

A South Australian state based men's conference is being proposed for 2002 and MACHS has agreed to be one of many collaborative partners in this activity. Les and Philip will be attending the first planning meeting at the Men's Information and Support Centre in Adelaide on June 26th.

11. Male Mentoring Program

Vicky had raised the Bradley Lewin Fox youth mentoring program prior to the conference, and due to the costs estimated to be $3,000 for peer training it was decided to delay the event. Mentoring was a key component listed in the conference recommendations, and activities similar to the 'Woman's Web' program have been considered by the committee. This can also be developed within the work place context as a health and safety issue.

12. Dentistry /Potential Funding Sub Committee

Peter , Jules, and Jim have agreed to form a funding sub committee to develop ideas for when MACHS becomes an incorporated group. Social enterprise activities including a men's dental health proposal have been raised as possible ventures involving community participation. The sub committee will be meeting on Friday 15th June at 2.00 pm in the Onkaparinga council offices.

13. MACHS Preliminary Conference Report To Healthy Cities Noarlunga Inc. The initial report to the Healthy Cities committee presented on the 23rd of May was well received by committee members who have now been informed of the current directions towards incorporation.

13. The 100 Word Project - Onkaparinga Council Foyer

The Common Ground Conference 100 word project initiated by David Kelly has been developed into a creative arts project which is now being displayed in the council's foyer area. Don Chapman the council's cultural officer is trying to raise community awareness through presenting the display as a community arts project activity with the view of exhibiting the display around other centres.

14. MACHS Abstract To 4th National Men's Conference

NSW Jules & Philip have developed and forwarded a summary abstract of MACHS community based development activities for potential submission at the national conference to be held in Sydney, NSW in September 2001. Awaiting response from the convening committee.

15. MACHS - Farewell and Thank You..

Everyone from the MACHS committee will be extremely sad to say cheerio to Gaynor Hallows one of the founding members of MACHS. Gaynor is taking up a position with the Dept. of Corrections Mobilong prison and will inevitably make a successful contribution to this new social work position.

Thank you Gaynor - you'll be missed. Your one of the world's quiet achievers.

Monika Baker has also bid farewell to the MACHS committee as a new contract position has risen with Disability Action Services in Adelaide. Monika has been very supportive with the committee's endeavour and for developing the web site.

Monika, we will miss the energy and enthusiasm you contributed.

A kind farewell for more recent contributions made by Jim Walker, Sean Rosewarne and Colin Burns. All three men contributed significantly to the conference, common ground singers, and committee activity. As social work students it is sincerely hoped that positions within this new important are of Men and Boys health and wellbeing will become available - and that we can work collaboratively at a professional and community level.

Interestingly, all three men will remain connected to MACHS activities in the future. How can you resist us eh?

16. Other Business: ·

NAPCAN - Mick has suggested that a collaborative project be developed for the NAPCAN / Fathers Week activity to be held during the week of 2-9th September 2001. Interested individuals who can provide some time and energy are welcome to attend an informal meeting at the Noarlunga Health Village on Friday 6th July 2:30pm. ·

Domestic Violence posters;Mick distributed these to the committee. ·

Gary Dowsett key note conference speaker presentation paper. Jules to follow through with Gary regarding availability of complete document. ·

Steve Biddulph, author of Manhood/Raising Boys will be speaking at the Noarlunga Theatre on Monday June 25th, 7:00 pm, on behalf of the Playgroup Association SA Angela Turner (08) 8346-2722. ·

Pollies Big Day Out. On Friday 8th June there is a preliminary rehearsal for a community development activity that will demonstrate the "Poverty Maze" that citizens endure through red tape - lack of services. Volunteers are required for 15th June 11.00 am at the Anglicare Family Centre, High St, Morphett Vale. ·

Conference Video. Peter will be trying to locate the conference video tape and the signed collaborative agency statement. ·

Birthdays…Vicky suggested that all committee members send their birth dates to her at ACM. This will enable a record of due birthdays of members to be recognised at each committee meeting - where a cake can then be presented.

Next MACHS meeting, Constitutional draft, Thursday 28th June 2001 10:30 - 3:30 pm at ACM, 111 Beach Rd, Christies Beach.

MACHS Men's Programs June - December 2001

Common Ground Male Singers

Meets again, Following on from the Common Ground conference in April 2001, singing rehearsals begin again. This group will be meeting every fortnight on a Monday night from 7:00 - 8:30 PM commencing June 18th at Elizabeth House, 112 Elizabeth Road, Christie Downs.

We welcome men of all ages, cultures & backgrounds whether experienced, or just 'shower singers' to join this small informal group who enjoy the experience of singing a wide variety of songs. Cost $1.00 donation.

For more information please contact: Jules Van Kekem (08) 8325-8100 Roger Gillison (08) 8278-8019 Philip Crouch (08) 8381-9408

Email: machsmen@senet.com.au Web: http:// au.oocities.com/machsmen *********************************************************************

Common Ground Theatre Group

Men for centuries have been acting about, singing, telling jokes and yarns, and playing musical instruments as a reflection of their lives. These activities often reflected the journeys they have taken - and may still be on.

If you have ever wanted to be involved creatively in a small informal amateur theatre group which reflects the real issues that face men of all ages, cultures and backgrounds every day of their lives, then why not come along and develop your talents further.

This group will meet fortnightly on a Monday night commencing 2nd July from 8:30 - 9:30 PM at Elizabeth House 112 Elizabeth Road, Christie Downs.

At this stage we intend to present a once only public performance

on 23rd November 2001.

Cost $1.00 donation. For further details contact: Leslie Page 0402-948-074 Philip Crouch (08) 8381-9408. Email: machsmen@senet.com.au ********************************************************************

Men's Journeys Group

Many men experience social, physical, mental and intellectual isolation on a daily basis. There is nothing wrong with these feelings or experiences, as they are a part of all our lives. However there is something you can do about changing the sense of isolation by participating in these groups with other men.

Men's Journeys is a new social support and informal discussion, group for men of all ages, cultures and backgrounds.

This group will be meeting fortnightly on a

Monday night from 7:00 to 9:30 PM commencing 25th of June

at Elizabeth House, 112 Elizabeth Road, Christie Downs.

Cost, $1.00 donation. For further details contact:

Malcolm Ellis (08) 8326-5588 Philip Crouch (08) 8381-8408

Email: machsmen@senet.com.au Web: http://au.oocities.com/machsmen.

AGENDA Items 1 -16

1) Constitution draft 1
2) Common ground singers
3) Post conference outcomes -update
4) Future potential workshops and activities
5) Public forum ideas
6) Men's journeys publication
7) Common ground singers
8) Men's journeys theatre production
9) The Men's Place sub committee
10) SA State men's conference 2002
11) Male mentoring program
12) Dentistry/potential funding sub committee
13) MACHS preliminary conference report to Healthy Cities Noarlunga inc
14) MACHS abstract to the 4th National Men's Conference, NSW
15) MACHS farewell and thank you
16) Other business

Philip and Malcolm at the Performance of the Common Ground Singers during the Conference 19/20 April 2001

We thank

The Department for Human Services, especially the Woodcroft Community and Noarlunga Health Villages

Healthy Cities Noarlunga Inc.

The City of Onkaparinga

Adelaide Central Mission

for their ongoing support!

Gary Dowsett, keynote speaker

Common Ground Conference

Jim, Jules and David singing away with the
Common Ground Male Singers