An open day and BBQ at Willo’s Men’s Shed at Willaston will be the centrepiece of the 2016 Men’s Health Week events in Gawler.

At a breakfast meeting convened by local Member of Parliament, Mr Tony Piccolo, held on Saturday representatives from Willo’s Men’s Shed, a number of faith groups and community organisations agreed that an open day and BBQ at Willo’s Men’s Shed would be used to promote men’s health in the local community.

Mr Piccolo said a ‘mini men’s expo’ would be held in conjunction with the open day with stalls promoting the various activities a number of local faith groups run to support men in the community.A ‘pit stop’ is also planned for the open day.

The pit stop, which will be staffed by health practitioners, will provide free basic health checks for men.Mr Piccolo said the purpose of the ‘pit stop’ is to encourage men to have a quick basic health check which could identify a medical condition like diabetes, high blood pressure or the like, which may require attention from a doctor.While the open day is focussed on the needs of men, women are not excluded from attending.

Mr Piccolo said the breakfast meeting did recognise a lack of diversity amongst the organising group and welcomed the participation of indigenous men, men from emerging communities and other groups to ensure the activities are inclusive and reflect the needs of men across the community. While the open day and mini expo are the centerpiece of the week, the organising group is very keen to hear from people with ideas for other activities.

“We are keen to have an event that is inclusive of the diverse backgrounds and needs of men in our community,” Mr Piccolo said.

Mr Piccolo said the open day and mini expo will be promoted in various ways leading up to the week, including an information stall at the two local Markets over the June 11 and 12 weekend, Facebook, local media and direct mail.

Men's Health Week encourages communities across Australia to reach out to men, boys and their families to promote health and wellbeing through engaging activities, events and promotions.

Locally tailored events create the right setting for conversations about the elements that make men healthy - that’s why our 2016 theme HEALTH ELEMENTS is about encouraging communities to start those conversations about the elements of life that build health and life’s purpose.

Further information about the week can be obtained by contacting the organising groups at www.tonypiccolo.org Men's Health Week 2016 will be held on 13-19 June with the open day at Willo’s Men’s Shed is scheduled for Sunday 19 June from 1:00pm at Little Paxton Street, Willaston.