Western Bulldogs’ Sons of the West focus on men’s health

A successful program promoting men’s health in the western suburbs is back and barking again in 2015.

The Western Bulldogs’ Sons of the West program, designed to tackle the poor health levels of men living and working in Melbourne’s west, took the area by storm in its first year in 2014 with more than 1000 participants.

Beyond Blue chairman and former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett told last Wednesday’s launch at Whitten Oval about how important Sons of the West has been in bringing men together and having them tackle their issues as part of a group.

“Sons of the West is a terribly important program, and not just for individuals,” he said.

“It’s important for their communities, their workplaces and, most of all, their families.”

Victorian Health Minister Jill Hennessy discussed the health challenges in the west, praising the Bulldogs for their leadership.

“Sons of the West is exactly the kind of program my own dad could use,” she said.

A colourful new Sons of the West bus was unveiled at the launch.

Men can register for Sons of the West by attending one of several upcoming expos.

The Maribyrnong Expo will be held at Victoria University Whitten Oval, West Footscray, 10am–noon, on Saturday, March 14.

The Hobsons Bay Expo will be held at the Laverton Community Hub, 95-105 Railway Avenue, Laverton, 2-4pm, on Saturday, March 14. The Wyndham Expo will be held at Wyndham Civic Centre, 45 Princes Highway, Werribee, 10am-noon, on Sunday, March 15.