Page 2338 - Week 06 - Wednesday, 22 June 2011
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Changes need to occur both within the health system and other sectors to make it easier for blokes to recognise when they might need help, to think it is okay to get help and for that help to be delivered in a way that affirms their masculinity and encourages them to get help earlier rather than later. The workplace can be important here. Workforce health promotion programs have been shown to offer enormous potential benefits for men. Recent research into blue collar workers in Canberra found that 84 per cent of these men had two or more of the risk factors that significantly contribute to poor mental health and poor physical health.
OzHelp and Manteena are two organisations which are doing commendable work in the area of men’s health promotion in the building industry and with apprentices. The tradies tune-up, an onsite physical and mental health check-up, is one example of that. ACT Health has also funded male health services through Menslink, Gugan Gulwan and the Northside Community Service Majura Men’s Group.
Most of us want to be mentally and physically strong and be able to contribute to the wellbeing of our families and community in a substantial way. The costs of ignoring male health issues are just too great.
Royal Military College Duntroon
MR HANSON (Molonglo) (6.47): On 11 June I attended a very special occasion, the Trooping the Queen’s Colour and the Freedom of Entry to the City of Canberra, on the 100th anniversary of the Royal Military College Duntroon. The event was also attended by Mr Brendan Smyth, a former staff cadet, and the Chief Minister, who had official duties to perform on that day.
It was a fantastic parade on a bitterly cold winter’s day, but the corps looked absolutely resplendent, with the band there on the foreshore of the lake, against the backdrop of the lake and the special buildings such as the High Court and the library. It really was a magnificent view. The drill on the day was as good as I have ever seen.
I would like to note the attendance at the parade of Major General Gerard Fogarty, who has recently been promoted—I congratulate him; he was accompanied by his son Sam—and also Major General John Caligari and Mrs Caligari.
For those that may be unaware of the Trooping the Colour parade, the colours of a unit or regiment embody the history, the spirit and the traditions to which they belong. They are highly valued, carefully guarded and treated with great respect. The custom of carrying colours has its origin in ancient and medieval times when, during battle, warring factions carried flags bearing family badges or bearings to show the positions of commanders and to serve as rallying points.
The Queen’s Colour was trooped for the first time on the Queen’s birthday parade in 1956 and has occurred every year since then. I would note that Staff Cadet Hanson was on parade in 1986 and 1987. I am not sure that my drill was as good as those that I saw on the 11th, but that remains another story.
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