Healthier Illawarra Men (HIM) has announced that the Federal Government’s Men’s Health Special Envoy, Dan Repacholi MP, will attend this Friday’s 2025 International Men’s Day Lunch at the University of Wollongong’s UniHall — joining an all-star panel featuring Lord Ian Botham, Gus Worland, and interviewer Karl Stefanovic. 

Mr Repacholi’s attendance marks a major coup for the Illawarra, bringing the nation’s representative for men’s health to the region for an event that has become one of Australia’s largest community gatherings focused on men’s wellbeing. 

“It is so exciting to have the Special Envoy for Men's Health come to the Illawarra for this fantastic event so that he can hear first hand about the challenges here in the Illawarra,” Federal member for Cunningham Alison Byrnes MP, who will also be in attendance,  said. 

“We know that men face unique barriers when it comes to getting support for their mental health. Groups like HIM are really important in shining a light on this important issue and giving men an outlet to talk about their health and mental health. 

“I want to really thank the HIM team for their passion and dedication to improving the lives of local men, and I look forward to hearing what the panel has to say this Friday.” 

The sold-out lunch, hosted by Healthier Illawarra Men and proudly presented by the St George Illawarra Dragons, will see more than 540 guests fill UniHall for a powerful mix of humour, heart, and hard conversations about men’s physical and mental health. 

As part of the 2025 event, attendees will also have access to a range of free health checks as they arrive, thanks to the team at the Wollongong Campus Medical Centre, led by Clinical Associate Professor George Albert. Screenings will include the latest in blood-sugar testing technology, alongside blood-pressure and other key wellness checks delivered by trained campus health professionals. 

“The HIM Lunch is a great reminder that looking after our health starts with simply showing up, for ourselves and for each other. It’s about breaking down the stigma and making it normal for men to have honest conversations about their wellbeing,” Dr Albert said. 

“Our teams from the Wollongong Campus Medical Centre at UOW and Boat Harbour Medical Practice in Gerringong are proud to be involved. We’ll have doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, and medical students from the University of Wollongong all working together to offer health checks, guidance, and education. It’s a great opportunity to connect with the community, raise awareness, and take another step toward improving men’s health across the Illawarra.” 

Meanwhile, HIM is also proud to launch its new Redefining HIM podcast  an honest, local look at men’s health, hosted by Marty Haynes and produced by Relativity Films. 
Episode One, hosted by i98FM and local identity Marty Hayens OAM, features The Man Walk founder Mark Burns, whose simple idea has grown into a national movement helping men connect through walking and talking. 

Mark Sleigh, Chair of Healthier Illawarra Men, said the incredible response to this year’s event showed the strength of community support for men’s health across the region. 

“The lunch officially sold out two weeks ago, and we’ll have close to 540 people in the room ... our biggest turnout yet,” Mr Sleigh said. 

“It’s going to be a tremendous day of conversation, laughter, and inspiration, and we’re encouraging guests to arrive early and consider public-transport options, as there’ll be plenty of activity before the 12 midday start.” 

“Every dollar raised goes back into local programs supporting men’s mental and physical health — and that’s something we can all be proud of.”