Men of Merri-bek is back in 2026!
Join the Active Merri-bek team for a six-week health program that has helped men in the community get healthier through exercise and education. We’re looking for up to 30 men who live, work or exercise in
Merri-bek and want to change their lifestyle for the better.
With educational sessions from industry leaders including Nutrition Australia and Beyond Blue, this program will empower you to take control of your own health and wellbeing. During the program, you’ll be able to connect with other men and create a community of your own.
Each weekly topic has been handpicked because it impacts men’s health. You can expect to learn about mental health, gambling and addiction, mental health and fitness. Learn how to notice signs of mental illness in friends, build healthy relationships with partners and family, and take care of yourself for general health and wellbeing.
Program details
- Dates: Thursday 23 April to Thursday 11 June
- Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
- Location: Oak Park Sports and Aquatic Centre
- Cost: Free
Got a question? Email us at community@activemerri-bek.com.au.
To submit an Expression of Interest application for this program, click the button below and fill out the form!
We will be monitoring and reviewing applications as they come in, and will be in touch with you via email if you are successful in your application. We undertake this process to ensure that this program is available to those in the community who need it most.
Program schedule
| Week 1 Thursday 23 April | Introduction |
| Week 2 Thursday 30 April | Men's Health |
| Week 3 Thursday 7 May | Nutrition |
| Week 4 Thursday 14 May | Mental Health |
| Week 5 Thursday 21 May | Mid-Program Check-In |
| Week 6 Thursday 28 May | Healthy Relationships |
| Week 7 Thursday 4 June | Gambling and Addiction |
| Weel 8 Thursday 11 June | Graduation / Developing Sustainable Fitness Routines |
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Why men's health?
Research shows that men living in Merri-bek and surrounding suburbs have lower rates of physical activity, poorer mental health and a higher proportion of adults living with one or more chronic conditions compared to the Victorian average. At Active Merri-bek we want to help men who are looking to improve their physical and mental health whilst making great connections.
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What happens in the program?
At the start of each session you will complete a 45-minute workout. We cater to every fitness level and welcome all abilities.
After the workout, you’ll listen to a presentation, complete an activity or have a group discussion about a topic impacting men’s health.
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Not convinced yet?
Hear from two of our Men of Merri-bek participants from 2022:
“I stumbled upon a post promoting this and without too much consideration, signed up, and I'm very glad that I did. Over the last couple of years, I have really felt things were getting on top of me; being really busy and not having the time to look after my health and to do things I enjoy. I felt that I needed a boost to help break some habits and make some new ones. This is exactly what the program provided for me. Having a place to go once a week and exercise, listen and talk, along with getting back to the gym, has boosted my energy levels throughout the week and helped change some unhelpful thoughts and attitudes.”
“I am so glad I had the opportunity to join the program. This gave me the launch into the difficult first step, then helped me stick to it through the encouragement of the PT’s and the motivation through shared community of men with a common goal. The talks helped me discover more about masculinity in the modern age.”