Men, Mates, and Mentors: The Power of Connection in Men’s Groups

WORDS: Cam Fraser PHOTOGRAPHY Suplied

In a world that often isolates, the significance of men’s groups — communities that empower men to connect, share, and grow — has never been more critical. For many, the simple act of sitting in a circle with other men, listening, speaking, and learning, can be the spark that ignites transformation.

Australia is facing a silent crisis in men’s mental health. Suicide remains the leading cause of death for men under 55, with men accounting for over 75% of all suicides in the country. Lots of men struggle in silence, weighed down by societal expectations that discourage vulnerability and emotional expression.

Depression, anxiety, and loneliness are widespread, yet too many men feel they must bear these burdens alone. The stigma around seeking help remains a barrier, leaving countless men without the support they need. This is why spaces like Men’s Groups are more important than ever, offering a place where men can speak openly, be heard without judgment, and find the connection that is often missing in their daily lives.

Men’s Groups isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a lifeline. It offers men the tools to become better fathers, partners, friends, and members of society. It provides a safe space to shed the masks of traditional masculinity and be authentic in all its messy, powerful, and tender forms.

A United Front:
Bringing Men’s Groups Together for Real Change

One of the newest initiatives in the realm of men’s groups on the Gold Coast is the Men, Mates and Mentorsinitiative, a movement born from tragedy but fuelled by hope and the belief that connection saves lives.

This initiative was created after the tragic suicide of a local man, a loss that shook his family to their core. From this heart-wrenching event, the idea of creating a platform that connects men to the resources, support, and communities that can help them navigate life’s challenges was born.

Men, Mates and Mentors is a vibrant network of nonprofit organisations, each dedicated to improving men’s mental health, connection, and growth.

The importance of this work is clear — mental health among men has reached a critical point, with rising rates of isolation, depression, and suicide. Yet, in a society were asking for help can feel like an admission of weakness, these groups offer a powerful alternative: peer support. Men supporting men. In a circle of trust, there is strength, and in sharing vulnerabilities, there is healing.

“There’s power in vulnerability,” says Cam Fraser, a leading figure behind the Men, Mates and Mentorsinitiative. “Men often feel they have to carry the weight of the world alone. What we’re seeing in these circles is that when men open up and share, they realise they’re not alone. The brotherhood and camaraderie that forms—it’s life-changing.”

Meet the Groups:
Five Pillars of Men’s Growth and Connection

Men, Mates and Mentors brings together several remarkable groups, each offering a different approach to men’s growth:

• Complete Men Foundation: This Gold Coast-based organisation helps men find their full potential through weekly men’s groups and personal development programs. Participants learn to live with purpose, remove self-doubt, and reconnect with themselves and their communities.
• Dads in Distress: A free national support network for separated dads in Australia, Dads in Distress provides a confidential, peer-driven platform where fathers can share experiences, seek advice, and lean on each other during life’s toughest transitions.
• Men’s Wellbeing: Founded in 1998, this organisation has been at the forefront of helping men build stronger connections and find a healthier, more authentic version of themselves. They offer regular programs and retreats to help men grow emotionally, socially, and mentally.
• The Men’s Table: Founded in 2011, this grassroots organisation creates intimate spaces for men to meet, eat, and talk. It’s a simple yet profoundly effective idea that has become a lifeline for many, offering men the chance to share their highs and lows in a non-judgmental environment.
• ManKind Project Queensland: For men seeking to transform their lives and explore their deeper potential, their New Warrior Training Adventure is a powerful rite of passage. The ManKind Project provides a range of training programs that help men become more effective leaders of themselves and their communities.

These organisations are more than just groups, they’re lifelines. They provide men with the tools to confront and overcome challenges like mental health struggles, isolation, relationship breakdowns, and career stress. Most importantly, they offer men the chance to connect with other like-minded individuals who are also walking the path of growth and transformation.

Join Us:

In February, Men, Mates, and Mentors hosted a Showcase for friends, family, professionals, and curious men to learn about men’s groups—what they do, how they work, and the profound impact they can have. Now, they’re offering a powerful event designed to connect, educate, and support men on their journey.

The Main Event (For men only)

📅 Saturday, March 22, 2025
⏰ 10:00am – 3:00pm
📍 The Well Function Centre, 58 Highland Way Upper Coomera
💲 Free

The Main Event is where men step into the work themselves. Through immersive workshops, guided conversations, and shared experiences, attendees will have the chance to engage in a safe and supportive environment. This is a day of transformation, connection, and growth—because when men come together, powerful change happens.

All events are completely free, but registration is essential. Secure your spot by registering at the Men, Mates, and Mentors website www.menmatesandmentors.org.au.

Whether you’re new to men’s work or already on the path, these events provide a unique opportunity to witness and experience the strength of brotherhood.

Stronger Together:
How Men’s Groups Are Changing Lives

“These groups are changing lives,” says Steve from Men’s Wellbeing. “I used to feel like I was lost, like I was always fighting an uphill battle. Now, I’ve found a community of men who understand me. We’re not just talking; we’re taking action and making a difference.”

For Brad, from ManKind Project, men’s work did not just change his life, it saved it. Like many men, he spent years carrying silent burdens, believing he had to figure it all out alone. It wasn’t until he stepped into a men’s group that he realised he didn’t have to. “I remember sitting in my first circle, nervous as hell, not knowing what to say,” Brad recalls. “But as I listened to other men speak, about their fears, their failures, their pain, I felt something shift inside me. I wasn’t alone.”

That moment set him on a new path, one that led to deep healing, powerful growth, and a mission to bring other men into the life-changing work of Men’s Groups. “I’ve seen men come in broken, unsure of who they are, and walk away stronger, more connected, and more alive than ever,” Brad says. “That’s why I do this — because I know what’s possible when men show up for themselves and each other.”

The strength of men’s work lies not just in the activities or workshops but in the simple, profound act of showing up. When a man steps into a group, he’s not just seeking advice or guidance; he’s seeking a space where he can be real, be seen, and be heard. And for many, that’s where the healing begins.

As Cam Fraser puts it: “This work is about breaking the silence. It’s about giving men the opportunity to say, ‘I need help,’ and knowing that it’s okay. That’s when real change happens.”

Tim from Complete Men shares, “I didn’t think I needed a men’s group. I thought I had it all under control. But when I finally sat down with a group of men who weren’t trying to fix me, judge me, or tell me what to do, I realised how much I had been holding in. For the first time in years, I felt safe enough to let go.”

Men, Mates and Mentors isn’t just a network — it’s a movement. One that’s transforming lives, building communities, and inspiring men to step into their full power and potential. Whether you’re looking for support, inspiration, or simply a place to belong, there’s a community waiting for you.

“We’re all in this together,” says Fraser. “And the more we connect, the stronger we become.”

If you — or a man in your life — could benefit from the support, connection, and transformation that men’s groups offer, don’t wait. Take the first step. Register now for the Men, Mates & Mentors Main Event and see firsthand how this work is changing lives. Visit the website to sign up today.