DAN REPACHOLI MP
SPECIAL ENVOY FOR MEN’S HEALTH
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR HUNTER
MEDIA RELEASE
DEADLY CHOICES SUPPORTING ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER MEN TO GET CHECKED AND STAY HEALTHY THIS ORIGIN
Ahead of State of Origin, Deadly Choices is using the power of sport, culture and community to encourage more First Nations men to get their 715 Health Check and connect with their local Community Controlled Health Service.
During Men’s Health Week, Special Envoy for Men’s Health Dan Repacholi will join Deadly Choices, the preventative health program of the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health, and former rugby league star Scott Prince in Brisbane to encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men to get their 715 Health Checks.
The visit, taking place on the eve of State of Origin Game Two, will highlight the work of Deadly Choices, a proven, community-led preventative health program that uses sport, culture, trusted First Nations voices and local health services to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The program encourage community to make healthy choices for themselves and their familes such as eating healthy, not smoking or vaping, being physcially healthy and getting their 715 Health Check.
Mr Repacholi said Men’s Health Week was an important opportunity to remind blokes not to wait until something was seriously wrong before seeing a doctor.
“Origin gets everyone fired up, but this week we want Indigenous men to bring that same energy to their health,” Mr Repacholi said.
“Too many men put their health last. They push through, put it off, or tell themselves they will get around to it later,” Mr Repacholi said.
“Deadly Choices is helping change that by promoting healthy choices and strong male leaders in community.
“It works because it is led by community, grounded in culture and delivered through trusted Community Controlled Health Services."
“For First Nations men, a 715 Health Check can be a really important first step. It helps pick up risks early, connects men with their local health service, and gives people a better chance of getting support before things become serious.”
Mr Repacholi said the Deadly Choices model showed how health promotion can cut through when it is built around trust, community pride and culturally safe care.
“Deadly Choices does not just tell men to go to the doctor. It builds trust first,” Mr Repacholi said.
“It uses sport, ambassadors, community events, education programs, health campaigns and the well-known Deadly Choices health check shirts to give men a reason to walk through the door of their local Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service and stay connected.
“The shirt is a great incentive, but it is also a statement. It says looking after your health is something to be proud of.”
The visit comes as Queensland and New South Wales prepare to go head-to-head in State of Origin, providing a timely opportunity to use the power of rugby league, culture and community to promote men’s health.
Mr Repacholi will tour the Deadly Choices / IUIH facility at Windsor, meet with the Deadly Choices team and take part in a media stand-up.
Quotes attributable to Special Envoy Dan Repacholi MP:
“Men’s Health Week is about a pretty simple message: blokes need to take their health seriously.
“With State of Origin around the corner, there will be plenty of talk about toughness, pride and showing up for your team. But one of the strongest things any bloke can do is show up for his health.
“Get checked. See your doctor. Stay connected with your local health service. Do it for yourself, your family, your mates and your community.
“That is what Deadly Choices is all about, and it is exactly the kind of men’s health work we should be supporting.”
“This is not just about one health check. It is about making healthy choices, staying connected with your health service and making sure men are around for their families, mates and communities.
“Getting checked is not weakness. It is strength. It is responsibility. It is making sure you are there for your kids, your partner, your mates and your community.
Quotes attributable to Corey Kirk, Deadly Choices
“Deadly Choices works because it empowers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men to prioritise their health.
“It makes health practical, positive and culturally strong.
“Through sport, ambassadors, community events, health campaigns, education programs and the well-known Deadly Choices health check shirts, it gives men a reason to walk through the door of their local Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service and stay connected.
“Deadly Choices helps break that pattern by making preventative health normal, visible and something to be proud of.”
