Improving Access to Support for Men and Boys Living in Central Western Queensland

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Outback Futures will deliver a targeted mental health and suicide prevention initiative designed to improve access to support for men and adolescent boys living across remote Central Western Queensland.

Outback Futures is a Queensland not-for-profit and registered charity dedicated to strengthening the mental health and wellbeing of children, young people, adults, families and communities in rural and remote Australia. Guided by its mission to renew hope, build resilience and strengthen community, the organisation delivers psychology, counselling, speech pathology, occupational therapy, telehealth services, community clinics and wellbeing initiatives tailored to the unique needs of regional and remote communities.

"For many people in the bush, getting support isn't as simple as booking an appointment and dropping into a clinic. Distance, time, cost and privacy concerns can all get in the way. We know there are men and young blokes doing it tough who might never reach out through traditional channels, so we are meeting them where they are," said Outback Futures CEO Rhys Tregenza.

Funding will support the delivery of the Western Queensland Men's Mental Health Access and Suicide Prevention Support program, which will combine outreach, engagement, counselling and wellbeing education in settings where men and boys naturally gather.

Qualified mental health clinicians and engagement staff will visit community events, sporting clubs, rural gatherings, schools, youth settings and on-property activities to provide practical and accessible support.

"Whether it's at a football game, a community event, a school visit or out on a property, these conversations often happen when people feel comfortable and connected. Sometimes all it takes is the right conversation at the right time to make a real difference," Rhys said.

The project will offer opportunities for participants to speak directly with mental health professionals, learn wellbeing strategies, understand available support pathways and access follow-up counselling, including through telehealth services where required.

Wellbeing workshops will provide practical tools for emotional regulation, stress management, resilience building and help-seeking, while creating safe opportunities to discuss mental health, suicide prevention and healthy masculinity.

"We work together with communities to create practical opportunities for men and boys to learn a few tools, build confidence and know where to turn if they need support, whether that's for themselves, a mate or a family member," he said.

"No matter where you live, you should be able to access support when you need it. This funding helps us deliver vital mental health support further across Western Queensland," Rhys said.