Centacare Men’s Hub hosts events for International Men’s Day, interviewing guest author Holden Sheppard

Laughs and in-depth discussions filled men’s hub on Tuesday night, as people joined in conversations with special guests, including Geraldton-born author Holden Sheppard. More than 50 people joined the Men’s Hub Cut Throat Conversations event, where an exhibition was launched featuring works from men who come through the hub. Centacare Men’s Hub hosted events throughout the week for International Men’s Day, celebrating the theme Healthy Men, Healthy World. Cut Throat Jo’s Barber owner Jo Iaria interviewed special guests, including award winning author Holden Sheppard, whose debut book Invisible Boys was picked up to be transformed into a 10-part TV drama series. Sheppard spoke about his journey as an artist and opened up about the filming taking place in Geraldton and Perth. He said filming is set to begin in February. Sheppard said the work Men’s Hub put into helping those who are disadvantaged to read and write inspired him to travel to Geraldton and lend his voice to the community. “What the Men’s Hub does for those who have been rough sleepers, or in prison, or who have faced multiple disadvantage, they really get there and actually help them build their literacy from nothing,” he said. Other guest speakers included singer-songwriter Zain Laudehr-May, who has been a street worker, councillor and Telethon performer, and Christian pastor Will Taylor, who is also a transitional case manager for First Nations people at Greenough Regional Prison. The event aimed to raise awareness of programs on offer at the Men’s Hub and encourage people to work with them. Hub coordinator Alex Andonovski said the Men’s Hub was a place for anyone who identifies as a man to find support in a non-judgmental space. “There is no pressure or stress to participate, everyone is an individual and we understand that some come to have a bit of peace and quiet and isolation from their environment. Others come for social interaction with other men,” he said. “It’s a very diverse and vibrant environment. We try to make it that way so we can provide the best support that we can within the resources that we have.” Men’s Hub program: Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday