A new national campaign launched for Men’s Health Week is encouraging Australian men to stop putting their health in the too-hard basket and book a check-up with their GP.
Healthy Male, Western Sydney University’s Centre for Male Health and Special Envoy for Men’s Health Dan Repacholi are coming together to encourage Australian men to stop putting their health in the too-hard basket and book a check-up with their GP as part of this year’s Men’s Health Week campaign, 101 Reasons to See Your GP.
The campaign, developed by Healthy Male and Western Sydney University, will run throughout June, culminating during Men’s Health Week.
Designed to normalise early help-seeking, the campaign encourages men aged 18 to 44 to act when something changes in their health rather than waiting until issues become serious.
At the centre of the campaign is a dedicated online hub featuring interactive content, real stories, practical health information and support services, all aimed at helping men recognise when it is time to see a GP.
The campaign tackles the everyday reasons men tend to ignore symptoms, delay appointments or convince themselves things will sort themselves out.
Research shows two-thirds of Australian men do not see a GP straight away when they notice something is wrong.
The national rollout includes social media, creator content, paid advertising, public relations activities and community engagement, with the goal of making regular health check-ups feel normal and positioning GPs as the trusted first source of advice.
Early action when health changes occur can lead to significantly better outcomes for men, their families and communities. The campaign aims to challenge the misconception that men should wait until symptoms become serious before seeking help and instead encourage earlier engagement with primary healthcare.
As Special Envoy for Men’s Health, Dan Repacholi is supporting the campaign as part of broader efforts to improve men’s health literacy, reduce stigma around help-seeking and encourage earlier engagement with healthcare services.
Quotes attributable to Special Envoy Dan Repacholi, Member for Hunter:
“Most blokes can think of a hundred reasons not to go to the doctor. This campaign is about giving them 101 reasons why they should.
“Too many men tell themselves she’ll be right. They put things off, ignore symptoms or convince themselves they’ll deal with it later.
“The problem is that later can sometimes be too late.
“A GP visit doesn’t have to mean something is seriously wrong. Sometimes it’s about getting peace of mind. Sometimes it’s about picking something up early before it becomes a bigger problem.
“Whether it’s feeling constantly tired, anxiety that won’t switch off, changes in your health, or just the fact you haven’t had a check-up in years, there are plenty of good reasons to book an appointment.
“We want men to know what their normal is and act when something has changed.
“Men’s Health Week is a great reminder that looking after your health isn’t weakness. It’s common sense.
“It’s also an opportunity to say to fellas: seeing a doctor is normal.
“My message to blokes is pretty simple. If something’s changed, don’t wait. See your GP.”
Quotes attributable to Simon von Saldern, CEO, Healthy Male:
“101 Reasons to See Your GP is designed to make health conversations feel relatable, practical and relevant to everyday Australian men.
“We know men often delay seeking help, even when they know something isn’t quite right. This campaign aims to make taking that first step feel easier.
“By highlighting common symptoms, concerns and life situations, we’re encouraging men to act early and connect with a trusted healthcare professional before small issues become bigger ones.
“Most Australian men don’t realise that their GP can help them with a range of problems, from fertility and conception to skin checks, mental health plans and sleep issues. Your doctor should be your first call when you notice something isn’t quite right.”
Quotes attributable to Associate Professor Emma George, Director, Centre for Male Health, Western Sydney University:
“Early help-seeking remains one of the most important factors in improving health outcomes for Australian men.
“Too many men put off seeing a doctor until something becomes urgent. Getting on top of a health change early can mean the difference between a simple conversation with your GP and a much more serious road ahead.
“This campaign combines evidence, lived experience and practical information to help men recognise when it is time to seek advice and support.
“The goal is simple: encourage men to take action earlier and make regular engagement with healthcare a normal part of life.”
