Local men looking for meaningful connections and supportive friendships are being encouraged to pull up a chair at Grafton’s first Men’s Table Entrée Night later this month.
The national initiative, which fosters mateship and honest conversation over a shared meal, will host its first Grafton event on Wednesday, 25 March at Roches Hotel, offering men a relaxed and welcoming space to connect with others in the community.
Regional Host for Men’s Tables in Western and Northern NSW, Alasdair Stratton, said the concept resonates strongly with men seeking something deeper than surface-level socialising.
“It’s a great way to make new connections if you’ve just moved to Grafton, and The Men’s Table appeals to a lot of men who are fed up with pub banter and want an environment where they can be real about how they’re doing in their life,” he said.
Stratton believes having a circle of supportive friends is essential for navigating life’s challenges.
“Life challenges hit all of us at some point, and having trusted mates to journey through life with can be a lifeline in a regional community like Grafton,” he said.
Research suggests many Australian men struggle silently. Of the 43 per cent who experience anxiety or depression at some point in their lives, 26 per cent delay seeking help.
“Sometimes just getting what’s bothering you off your chest can help lighten the load, and The Men’s Table is a safe space for voicing what’s going on with you, knowing you’re accepted by good blokes around the table,” Alasdair said.
The Men’s Table concept began in 2011 after a businessman opened up about personal struggles during a regular networking lunch with a group of 10 men.
“Going through bankruptcy and a messy divorce hit him hard, and he just showed up one day and said he wasn’t coping with life and felt really alone in his problems,” Alasdair said.
His honesty encouraged others to share their own experiences, creating a deeper sense of connection within the group.
As family members began noticing positive changes in the men who met regularly to talk openly, the group realised the model could benefit communities across Australia.
“It motivated them to turn The Men’s Table concept into a registered charity that’s rolling out as autonomous groups hosted by locals,” Alasdair said.
Today, more than half of the organisation’s groups are based in regional communities, including Lismore, Kempsey and Nambucca Heads, with Casino set to launch soon.
“We help each community to get a table up and running with a taster like this Grafton Entrée Table,” Alasdair said.
“A couple of long-standing Men’s Table members will host this one, and if the men decide it’s something they want to keep going, we’ll come alongside them with the support they need to make it happen.”
The Entrée Night offers a simple introduction to the concept, with no ongoing commitment required. Men can register online for $27 to cover the cost of the meal.
“We’re mindful that money can be a source of stress in itself at the moment, and we don’t want that to be a barrier for anyone wanting to come along, so we have a ‘pay it forward’ system in place,” Alasdair said.
“Get in touch with us through the Men’s Table Website, and we can help you with that.”
Organisers keep numbers intentionally small, usually no more than 12 men per group.
“We find this works well for really getting to know and trust one another without the group splitting off,” Alasdair said. “Where there’s greater demand, we just get another group off the ground.”
Regional host for Northern NSW, Dave Robinson, said the initiative is about encouraging stronger connections among men in local communities.
“As a country guy and father of five, I’ve seen and gone through some significant life challenges and joys and had great experiences with various groups over the years as a participant and guide.”
Dave is passionate about helping men build deeper connections and have better conversations.
Each group is supported by the organisation’s central office, known as “The Kitchen”, and follows a simple set of conversation guidelines to ensure the space remains respectful and supportive.
“Sticking to a fundamental set of parameters for conversation keeps this a safe space for men to be vulnerable without anyone dominating or responding inappropriately,” Alasdair said.
A typical Men’s Table gathering begins with informal catch-ups at around 6:30pm, followed by dinner and conversation where participants can share as much or as little as they feel comfortable.
“This might look like anything from a proud Dad moment or what’s irritating them at work, to talking out a relationship situation or life crisis that’s weighing heavily,” Alasdair said.
Listening is just as important as sharing.
“Questions are generally not asked unless the person asks for input on what he’s had to say, and ‘fixing’ someone when they’ve shared with the group is discouraged,” he said.
“This can be tricky for those of us who are used to jumping in and offering advice, but that’s part of building trust and acceptance among group members.”
Ultimately, the goal is to create a sense of belonging and mutual support among men in the community.
“With everything regional communities have weathered in recent years there’s never been a greater incentive to build a sense of belonging to something good and building a peer support network that will go the distance with you, come what may,” Alasdair said.
Local men curious about the concept can attend the event and see if it feels like the right fit.
“Local men can get a good feel for how it all works by showing up for the Granton Entrée Table event, then decide if it’s a fit for them,” Alasdair said.
“There’s no obligation, just come have dinner and see how you go.”
“Our hope is that the mateships made around The Grafton Men’s Table will give men in the community a support network they can be real with and talk to as we all do life together,” Alasdair said.
Event Details
Grafton Men’s Table Entrée
Wednesday 25 March
6:30 pm for 6:45 pm sharp – 9:00 pm
Roches Hotel
Men can register online for $27 to cover the cost of the meal.
For further information, email Alasdair at al.stratton@themenstable.org
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