Introduction
Healthier Illawarra Men (HIM) is a nonprofit organization that promotes men’s health and wellbeing through community fundraising, partnerships, and local programs in the Illawarra region of New South Wales.
Its focus areas include physical and mental health awareness, social connection, healthy relationships, youth development, and the prevention of domestic, family, and sexual violence. HIM encourages men to take a more active role in their wellbeing while supporting organizations delivering relevant services in the region.
History and Background
Healthier Illawarra Men began in 2009 when local business and community leaders formed a committee to raise awareness of men’s health issues. The committee reconvened in 2021 to build on its earlier work and establish prominent fundraising events in the Illawarra calendar.
In April 2022, HIM organized a Gotcha4Life fundraising brunch with support from WIN and Nine Network’s Today show. The event raised more than A$35,000 for Gotcha4Life programs in the Illawarra. Its November 2022 International Men’s Day lunch subsequently raised A$50,000 for local charitable initiatives.
These events helped establish HIM’s model of community fundraising followed by reinvestment in local services and programs.
Mission and Purpose
HIM’s mission is to help men make positive choices for their physical and mental health and access the resources and support needed to lead healthier lives. Its charter also includes promoting appropriate behaviours that help prevent domestic, family, and sexual violence.
The organization connects these priorities through partnerships. Its beneficiary network includes organizations working in mental wellbeing, youth mentoring, Aboriginal community support, crisis assistance, social connection, and support for people escaping abuse.
Governance and Structure
HIM operates through Healthier Illawarra Men Ltd, an Australian public company with ABN 50 668 349 728. The Australian Business Register records its charity registration with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission from 31 May 2023.
The organization’s website lists a board with designated chair, deputy chair, treasurer, secretary, and executive director roles. It identifies Graeme Sutherland as Chair, Anthony McQuire as Deputy Chair, Chris Smith as Treasurer, and Julian O’Brien as Secretary.
HIM’s published scholarship announcement describes Sutherland’s appointment following Mark Sleigh’s leadership since the organization’s reformation in 2021. Sleigh remains involved as Chair Emeritus and Partnerships Ambassador.
Funding and Grants
Fundraising and Sponsorship
HIM raises funds through community events, sponsorship, donations, raffles, and auctions. Its 2026 International Men’s Day sponsorship prospectus offers several business partnership options and opportunities to sponsor attendance for people who could otherwise be unable to participate.
The organization states that funds raised are retained in the Illawarra and reinvested in initiatives aligned with its charter.
Community Grants
HIM provides financial support to charities and nonprofit organizations delivering men’s health or domestic violence-related programs in the Illawarra. Its grant criteria emphasize regional relevance, awareness or direct services, effective use of funding, and demonstrated experience delivering programs and outcomes.
The grant applications page asks applicants to explain their purpose, target population, previous results, proposed use of funds, and approach to reporting impact. The displayed deadline of 26 October 2025 belongs to an earlier round; prospective applicants should check for a new announcement.
Major Programs and Initiatives
International Men’s Day Fundraising Events
HIM’s annual International Men’s Day lunch combines public discussion about men’s wellbeing with fundraising for community services. The 2026 event is scheduled for 13 November at the University of Wollongong’s UniHall, featuring Samuel Johnson OAM.
Tomorrow Man Workshops
HIM supports Tomorrow Man workshops that create opportunities to discuss gender stereotypes, emotional resilience, mental wellbeing, and healthy relationships. Its scholarship announcement reports that more than 1,500 young men participated in Breaking the Man Code workshops during 2025, with support from HIM and The Shellharbour Club.
It Starts With Me. Today.
Developed with Women Illawarra, the It Starts With Me. Today. campaign encourages men to challenge harmful attitudes and behaviours and take responsibility for creating safer relationships and communities. Its themes include coercive control, sexual safety, online safety, gender roles, and empathy.
Graham Lancaster AM Scholarship
The annual Graham Lancaster AM Scholarship recognizes people under 30 who demonstrate leadership in improving men’s health or preventing domestic and family violence. The published announcement specifies A$5,000 for professional development, alongside mentoring with Graham Lancaster.
Impact and Examples of Work Funded
HIM’s September 2026 sponsorship prospectus reports that more than A$500,000 has been raised through its fundraising activities to support local organizations and initiatives. This is an organization-reported fundraising figure, rather than a measure of individual health outcomes.
Its supported organizations include Gotcha4Life, Raising the Bar Foundation, Top Blokes Foundation, Gawura Aboriginal Corporation, Escabags, The Man Walk, and Lifeline South Coast. These partnerships connect fundraising with services ranging from youth mentoring and community connection to crisis support and practical assistance for people fleeing abuse.
The reported participation in Tomorrow Man workshops provides another example of program reach. Together, its grants, workshops, and awareness campaigns demonstrate an approach that combines support for existing services with community education.8. Conclusion
Healthier Illawarra Men brings together community fundraising, charitable grants, education, and partnerships to advance men’s wellbeing and violence prevention. For local nonprofits, businesses, and donors, it offers opportunities to support programs with a clear Illawarra focus.
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