Upcoming Events › Menslink Midweeker

To most, Damon Smith is the General Manager of Construction at Geocon, Canberra's largest residential builder. Damon runs a tight ship, he knows what outcome he wants and he works incredibly hard to make it happen. His presence on a construction site causes a flurry of activity and he is never backward in coming forward. But those who know Damon outside of his professional life, know of his generosity, good humour and story telling ability. Damon's formative years were likely not what most would imagine them to have been; but his tenacity and resilience have seen him succeed beyond probably what he had ever imagined possible. Damon has faced more than his fair share of trials on his journey, unbeknownst to those outside his inner circle. Midweekers are available to women and men of all ages who want to come and listen to inspiring stories from our local men, as well as to understand some of the key issues facing young guys in our region. You don’t have to be a guy to come to a Midweeker – just interested in supporting young guys and their…

Francis Owusu has used his love of dance to stimulate others to build their confidence and self-belief, as it did for him. A child of Ghanaian parents, Francis grew up in Victoria where he endured racism born of ignorance which almost propelled him towards a life of crime. Moving to Canberra he turned his life around through dance, going on to study finance banking at university by day and exploding on stage by night as a member of the band 925. During his career he has worked with major recording artists Marcia Hines, Jon Stevens and Guy Sebastian. Driven by a determination to share his good fortune, he organised after-school dance classes for children. Over the past decade Francis and Kulture Break have performed with thousands of children in schools, community centres and jails, inspiring and motivating them. For Francis, Kulture Break is a reflection of his belief that life is not characterised by what you have received but what you can give. Midweekers are available to women and men of all ages who want to come and listen to inspiring stories from our local men, as well as to understand some of the key issues facing young guys in our region. You don’t have to be a guy to come to a Midweeker – just interested in supporting young guys and their…

Often referred to as the 'Spiritual Leader' of the Canberra Raiders, Sia always goes above and beyond for his team and the community. Our CEO, Martin Fisk, tells a story about packing up after the Menslink Big Night Out in 2016, stacking chairs at 1am in the morning; tired after a long day of preparations. Martin looked over the room to see Sia who had attended the event, also stacking chairs along side Martin in the wee hours of the morning. Sia wasn't asked or expected to help, its just the kind of man he is. Sia has shaved his head for charity, helps fed the homeless in the city and is an all round genuine man, who always puts others first. Midweekers are available to women and men of all ages who want to come and listen to inspiring stories from our local men, as well as to understand some of the key issues facing young guys in our region. You don’t have to be a guy to come to a Midweeker – just interested in supporting young guys and their…

Dion has over 20 years of experience working in an around community development, and has established two successful businesses. Dion was awarded ACT NAIDOC Person of The Year for 2016. Dion is also an Ambassador for Indigenous Community Volunteers and was appointed to the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body. Dion was deeply honoured by being named ACT Australian of the Year 2018. He hopes to use this profile to encourage Indigenous business and to progress the many social initiatives he has established. Midweekers are available to women and men of all ages who want to come and listen to inspiring stories from our local men, as well as to understand some of the key issues facing young guys in our region. You don’t have to be a guy to come to a Midweeker – just interested in supporting young guys and their…

Remarkable physical strength helped Ben Farrinazzo, former Australian Army officer, to achieve two gold medals at the Invictus Games. His mental strength is the real story of his success at the Invictus Games. Mr Farinazzo's journey to the Games began with his deployment to East Timor in the late 1990s, something he regards as a highlight of his career because of the deep emotional connection he forged with the locals. However his service left him with emotional scars, eventually being diagnosed with PTSD. Ben Decided to use sport as a way to get on top of his physical and mental health, a fall on his mountain bike set him back again after breaking his neck and back in five places. In Hospital, Ben had to learn to walk again and it was in here that he had some important realisations about how to cope with life's challenges. Midweekers are available to women and men of all ages who want to come and listen to inspiring stories from our local men, as well as to understand some of the key issues facing young guys in our region. You don’t have to be a guy to come to a Midweeker – just interested in supporting young guys and their…

Assistant Commissioner Ray Johnson joined the Australian Federal Police (AFP) in 1985. Since then he has carried out a full range of general policing and investigations duties both within ACT Policing and across Australia, investigating serious and organised crime at a local and national level. Assistant Commissioner Johnson has also undertaken international missions in East Timor, Cyprus and China where he was the regional manager for AFP international operations in north Asia, based in Beijing. He has held diverse command roles leading Special Operations, Professional Standards and AFP operations in both the Northern Territory and New South Wales. He commenced the role of Chief Police Officer for the ACT on 12 November 2018. Midweekers are available to women and men of all ages who want to come and listen to inspiring stories from our local men, as well as to understand some of the key issues facing young guys in our region. You don’t have to be a guy to come to a Midweeker – just interested in supporting young guys and their…

Matt Davis is one of Menslinks amazing mentors who has committed to spending the next two years mentoring a young guy who needs the guidance of a resilient adult male. in 2014 Matt was fixing a fuel line on his motorbike in his garage when a petrol fuled explosion took place causing burns to 60% of his body and destroying his home. Matthew spent months in Sydney's Concord Hospital, battling septicemia, pneumonia and kidney failure and then re-learning how to eat, stand, sit, shower, turn a doorknob and walk. Matt's story is one of inner strength and resilience, embodying what menslink is all about. https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/6067505/canberras-matthew-davis-recovers-from-life-changing-burns/ Midweekers are available to women and men of all ages who want to come and listen to inspiring stories from our local men, as well as to understand some of the key issues facing young guys in our region. You don’t have to be a guy to come to a Midweeker – just interested in supporting young guys and their…