Men’s Gatherings ~ FAQ

What is a Mens Gathering?

A Men’s Gathering is a weekend away just for men. Away from work, family and social commitments, you can spend your time being instead of doing.

Our Men’s Gatherings are open to all men from any background, religious, political or sexual persuasion.

We encourage men to feel free and be real with themselves and others in a supportive environment. You can expect a warm welcome and plentiful conversation and laughter, with many opportunities to get to know yourself and others in a strongly grounded space of respect, growth and trust. Lively activities, workshops, and healthy food throughout the day are all part of the experience.

Relax, go bush walking or canoeing. Our gatherings are all about choice. You choose what you want to do – be it a workshop, relaxing, taking quiet time for personal reflection or spending time making new friends. It’s totally up to you.

Men’s Gathering here is mainly an Open Ground Men’s Gathering from Men’s Wellbeing (MWB), although there are few Men’s Gatherings that the facilitation methods are not from MWB.

Who attends a Mens Gathering?

Men attend a Mens Gathering for a variety of reasons: to learn; to reconnect with friends and make new ones; to escape everyday pressures and feel grounded; to reflect upon life; to engage in physical and uplifting activities, and to heal or grow emotionally or Spiritually.

Men from 18 to 80+ from all walks of life and careers attend the gatherings. We find there is no typical attendee. What we do find is that men who attend are usually seeking a better way to define themselves and a better way to live their lives.

Our programs are tried and tested. You will be supported and you will not be judged or ridiculed. Our goal is to provide the place where you can challenge yourself to be your best without any pressure to do anything you don’t want to do.

Are Men’s Gatherings Related To Any Church Or Other Group?

Men’s Gatherings have no religious affiliation or bias. All men are welcome regardless of religious belief, nationality or sexual orientation.

Our core values are honesty, respect and authenticity. There is no getting it right or wrong in our programs.

The inner judge is the worst kind! This is the judge you will have your biggest wrestle with as all Mens Gatherings understand, the need for honesty and respect and these values are woven through everything we do. Our programs are not a test you must pass, they are an opportunity to look at yourself and your life, as you choose to, and make your own decisions about what your next step is.

Our community has many valuable members including some men who are same-sex oriented. They are no more or less in number than in general life and many of our members don’t actually know or even ask these questions because it simply doesn’t matter. Just like your job, you will find our community more interested in ‘who you are’ more than what you do or who you share your bed with.

Absolutely! Rollicking belly laughs are part and parcel of a men’s gathering. We all have been boys once and having fun is part of our birthright!

Will anyone try and fix me?

You do not need fixing, you are not broken You are the captain of your ship and it is you who will navigate your own course.

We are here to encourage and support whatever your choices are. Our programs offer you opportunities to learn new skills and enjoy experiences that can change the way you look at your life and relationships.

Have a look a the great unbiased testimonials on our page. Each Gathering has is its own particular flavour and essence, you may feel more connected to a particular Gathering, try them all and see.

Each Men’s Gathering is unique, bringing its own particular flavour and essence, so please inquire about the specific Men’s Gathering via the links to their websites. Below is a general list of what to bring!

What to bring?

• Water bottle
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Comfortable clothing for days
• Warm clothing for nights – note that some of the venues are in the wilderness and far from the normal amenities of life. It often gets a lot colder than the suburbs!
• Medicines (clearly marked)
• Shoes
• Pillow Sheets and blanket OR sleeping bag
• Towel and toiletries
• Pen and writing material
• Torch
• A Djembe, percussion or musical instrument if you have one
• An open heart and mind!

Again with each Men’s Gathering being unique, bringing their own particular flavour and essence, and Gathering timetable, so please inquire with the specific Men’s Gathering via the links to their websites for the individual arriving time. However, we do encourage you to arrive as early as you can, this enables you to become familiar with the surroundings, meet other Men who potentially are going to be feeling equally scrambled if it’s their first Gathering. There will be a check-in area to greet you and direct you to the dormitories as well as supply you with a program and other essentials!

Where are the Gatherings? There are Men’s Gatherings throughout each year and in every state around Australia. There are 13 Men’s Gatherings every year, to see more about them, where they are and what’s involved at each one, please visit the Yearly Men’s Gatherings page.

Please inquire about the specific Men’s Gathering via the links to their websites for the address and specific information about getting there.

Young men are under 18. If you wish to invite your son, or a young man you are mentoring, to most gatherings you must apply to the Organising Committee as there are strict conditions on the attendance of young men. A fee applies to young men who are accepted for attendance. Young men cannot be registered online. Please call our the particular Gathering and enquire?

We can handle most dietary restrictions. Please give us the details when you book online.

Volunteering gives a way for men who are not able to afford the full cost of the weekend to attend. For this reason, volunteer roles are first offered to men in financial need. The majority of work for volunteers is before the event opens as we are setting up the venue. There are further tasks throughout the weekend but these would take less than 2 hours out of your day. To apply for a reduced-price ticket and a volunteer role contact the particular Gathering to enquire.

Sorry, no pets are allowed.

Is Men’s Work Only About The Serious Stuff?

Absolutely, not at all. Many men come along to our gatherings simply to relax, network with other Men and enjoy a light-hearted “Men‘s space” of camaraderie and like minds.

Men can either attend workshops they feel drawn to or not. Men’s Groups, especially the Men’s Wellbeing ‘Common Ground’ Men’s Groups are a space of supported growth for going deeper into life’s issues, in a place of respect and without judgement and pressure.