The Parliamentary Secretary for Education and Skills, Paul O'Halloran, today participated in a "Male Matters" professional development program with students at Wynyard High School.

 

Mr O'Halloran said the "Male Matters" program, which started this year, is being offered to grade 10 boys to provide learning opportunities on resilience, mental health, leadership and general male issues.

 

"A variety of community facilitators work with school co-ordinators in a range of areas," he said.

 

"What was particularly impressive is the engagement and mobilisation of out-of school support, for example, from the local Rotary Club and Tasmania Police officers.

 

"Male Matters is an activity which was inspired by boys who were courageous enough to put their hands up to deal with personal challenges in their lives.

 

"To have mentors and role models is important in every person's life and frequently a teacher or person outside the immediate family circle, either knowingly or unknowingly, fulfils this role.

 

"Secret men's business does not need to be unspoken because a problem shared is frequently the start of a new beginning."