|
Glenn Cullen Menslink CEO February 2009
2008 was a challenging year as we strove to maintain the delivery of our programs. However the commitment, passion and resilience of our staff shone through. It is the vital support of the ACT Government via the Department of Disability, Housing and Community Services that provides core funding for the Mentors program and the Young Men's Support Network. We also greatly appreciate the funding we received from the Federal Attorney-General's Department for the POSM program via their National Community Crime Prevention Program (NCCPP). Regrettably the three years of funding for this innovative and successful project have come to an end. POSM has been a significant undertaking by Menslink, and the support from NCCPP has enabled us to positively affect the lives of many boys across the ACT and NSW South Coast region. Our thanks go to the St George Foundation which also generously supported POSM, and enabled us to sustain the program in three schools this year. We thank the Mundango Family Trust for their support, allowing us to be imaginative and pioneering in our work. The commitment of Menslink's volunteers is epitomised by the work of the Mentor Advisory Group (MAG). MAG is a group of current and former mentors meeting regularly to plan our activities and functions, including the planning of the monthly LinkUp activities and annual camp. The men involved in this group are energetic and dedicated, and have a broad range of experience and skills. The 2008 Menslink Business Breakfast continues to expand its patronage and attract a broad range of ACT enterprises. The event was run in conjunction with National Men's Health Week, and we expect to develop even closer links with successful ACT employers during 2009. The support of the business community is increasingly vital to the sustainability of Menslink and its efforts to build a stronger community. There have been significant opportunities during the year for Menslink to continue it's advocacy role on behalf of young men and boys. Locally, there was ongoing involvement in the ACT Suicide Prevention Working Group, which is evaluating its activities and formulating a revised strategy to take this vital work forward. I have been fortunate to be involved on the interim steering committee working to establish a national peak body for men and boys. The committee, drawn from several states and territories, is talented and dedicated, and represents a diverse range of services and interests. It has one goal in mind - the swift formation of a national peak body for men and boys. This is a ground breaking step for the health and social well-being of the Australian community. 2009 will see the emergence of new opportunities for Menslink. We have a Community Development project underway with Havelock Housing Association, the innovative Filmlink project will continue with the support of ArtsACT, and we are now offering our Life Coaching service in West Belconnen in partnership with Uniting Care Kippax. A priority will be the stengthening of a collaborative approach to working with men and boys via our relationships with the Canberra Men's Centre and the Canberra Fathers and Children's Service. Thanks to all who have supported Menslink, and I appeal to our volunteers and associates to prepare themselves for the exciting year ahead. |
