More than 2,500 empty boots and shoes were placed in front of Parliament House in Canberra on Wednesday to highlight the male suicide epidemic in Australia.
The symbolic gesture was made on International Men’s Day to expose male suicide, which is one of the country’s biggest killers.
International Men’s Day aims to bring awareness to men’s health and wellbeing after 2,529 men and boys took their own lives in the past year.
Men are being encouraged to seek help when they need it, whether through emotional support from friends or family, or through other organisations.
The heart-wrenching tribute coincided with the release of a new report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare which revealed mental health conditions, and substance use disorders, including suicide and self-inflicted injuries, were among the biggest causes of death in younger men.
The report found half of deaths in men aged under 75 were ‘potentially avoidable’.
Former Olympian and current federal Labor MP Dan Repacholi shared his encouragement for International Men’s Day on social media.
‘It’s a good chance to give a shout-out to the blokes and young fellas who keep our families, our workplaces and our communities going,’ Mr Repacholi posted on Facebook.
More than 2500 empty boots were placed in front of Parliament House in Canberra on Wednesday to highlight the suicide epidemic ripping apart Aussie men
In total, 2529 empty boots with photos and tributes of each man who took his own life were placed on the lawn outside parliament house alongside banners
Former Olympian and current federal Labor MP Dan Repacholi shared his encouragement for International Men’s Day on social media
‘This year’s theme is celebrating boys and men and I reckon that’s bang on. Because being a man isn’t about pretending you’re tough all the time.
‘It’s about being a good bloke, showing up, looking after your mates and being someone the young fellas can look up to.’
Mr Repacholi said International Men’s Day is all about good role models, men’s mental and physical health, and ‘calling out the pressure on men and boys to just push through and never ask for help’.
‘The dads, stepdads, uncles, coaches, teachers and workmates who show boys how to be decent men,’ he said.
‘Too many blokes still keep everything bottled up. And let’s be honest, if you’re doing your best, juggling work, family and life, even if you rock a dad bod, tell terrible jokes and wander around Bunnings for no reason, you’re doing alright.’
Mr Repacholi advised men to do ‘just one thing’, which he suggested could be to send a mate a message or book that doctor’s appointment.
‘Tell a young fella you’re proud of him. And if you’re struggling, talk to someone. When we back boys and men, the whole community is better for it. Happy International Men’s Day.’
Independent MP and former Wallaby David Pocock, who is co-chairing the newly launched Parliamentary Friends of Healthy Masculinities with Mr Repacholi and Liberal MP Aaron Violi, said men have to ‘step up’ to address mental health concerns.
More than 2500 men and boys took their own lives in the past year
The touching tributes were laid outside Parliament House on Wednesday
The symbolic gesture was made on Australian International Men’s Day to expose male suicide which is one of the biggest killers of Australian men
‘Men have to step up and play a more active role in setting the standard for how we behave as well as addressing mental health issues men are facing across the country,’ Mr Pocock said.
‘Friendship groups are an important non-partisan way of connecting across the parliament, especially on tough issues that require leadership and working together.
‘We respect the incredible work so many advocates for women’s safety have done and look forward to supporting that to continue while ensuring men are stepping up and being part of the solutions.’
For confidential 24-hour support in Australia, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
