30 stories about reinventing

manhood

Manthe perfect gift for a

A collaborative man book project for The Inspire Foundation

In Australia, young men commit suicide at more than three times the rate of women of the same age. Further, mental illness and drug and

alcohol dependency is severely affecting men aged 16-24.

In mid-2009, The Inspire Foundation launched the #Manweek campaign to raise awareness of these issues. A number of Australian

bloggers supported this campaign, sharing their thoughts, challenges and experiences with their readers.

Each of these stories was a gift — sometimes painful to write, always astounding to read. They got under our skin, and as the

campaign ended, we felt that the campaign had only just scratched thesurface.

We wanted to take these stories and share them with others — with our brothers, fathers and uncles.

With our friends and families.

This book is the result. Please buy it for the men in your life. All proceeds go to The Inspire Foundation.

We think it is the perfect gift.

www.facebook.com/perfectgiftforamanwww.theperfectgiftforaman.com.au

Manthe perfect gift for a

Manthe perfect gift for a

Helping millions of young people lead happier lives

All proceeds to The Inspire Foundation

30 stories about reinventing

manhood

www.inspire.org

A collaborative man book project for The Inspire Foundation

First published 2009

Collection as a whole © Copyright 2009

Gavin Heaton and Mark Pollard

Individual contributions © Copyright

the individual contributors

The profits from the sale of this book

go to The Inspire Foundation

What we ask of you ...Share this book and share your own story

Then tell us ...

www.facebook.com/perfectgiftforamanwww.theperfectgiftforaman.com.au

It will be tough ... but you may just help someone.

What makes a man?

The Perfect for a Manv

Contents

Becoming a man

To my son Jorge AlbinagortaDealing with personal problems Julian ColeMonkeys with underpants Joel ConnollyBy bike or by box Stephen CrombieWatching my brother struggle to find himself Karalee EvansAt a loss for words Ann HandleyFlower Craig KirchnerThe journey of a young man Scott MiddletonWhy some men are so lost Mark Pollard

Respect

Mi Raccomando Age ConteRomeo and Juliet: circa 2009 James Duthie The legacy of manhood Jeremy LeBardGrandad still worth gold to me Ben O’MaraGrowing up with Petey Pops Annik Skelton

Fragility

The change Stephen CollinsAnother word for father Gavin HeatonThe path back Alan LongSecond time lucky David PhillipsContradictory bliss Dave Relf

1

27

41

Contents

Fatherhood

The dream & the reality Mitch Andrews From two perspectives Gavin BollardBecoming a dad and more of a man Trent CollinsJoys and challenges Tony HollingsworthA letter to my boys Darryl King

Loss

Before it began Scott AbbotOn being a man and losing a loved one Scott DrummondAn open letter to my dad Edward HarranYour clarity was alarming Michael Ryan My current (and greatest) life challenge Joel PearsonSaying goodbye to the light of the sun Jye Smith

Afterword Jack Heath

Cover photo Mark Lobo — www.marklobo.com.au

Design Mark Pollard — www.markpollard.net

Section photos Ashley Ringrose (self portrait, p 27) — www.mrtruffle.com

Mark Lobo (Gravity always wins, p 59)

Stephen Crombie (pp 41, 57, 71)

Arty stuff Ashley Ringrose (dicks and balls, p 50)

Genevieve Robey (p 19, 38) — www.genevieverobey.com

57

71

Bonus credits

What breaks a man?

The Inspire Foundation

The Inspire Foundation was established in 1996 in direct response to Australia’s

then escalating rates of youth suicide.

They combine technology with the direct involvement of young people to deliver innovative and

practical online programs that prevent youth suicide and improve young people’s

mental health and wellbeing.

Their mission is to help millions of young people lead happier lives.

For more information visit www.inspire.org.