Established in November 2023 and launched during the 2024 Jambo Festival, the Men’s Department focuses on the holistic wellbeing of African men in Western Australia. The department has implemented several impactful initiatives.
Held at the OACWA Nollamara Hub, the session allowed men to discuss challenges and prioritise key issues, highlighting mental health, employment, family and domestic violence, crime prevention, and youth engagement as core areas of concern.
Hosted at Herb Graham Leisure Centre, this event brought together stakeholders including WA Police, Wesley Mission, the Department of Communities, Zonta House, and DART Institute. The campaign emphasised the rising rates of FDV and the need for culturally responsive intervention strategies.
As part of Africa Week, this forum connected aspiring African entrepreneurs with experienced business leaders. Keynote speaker Tommy Adebayo shared valuable insights, while the Department of Small Business Development Collaboration provided practical guidance on establishing and managing businesses in Western Australia.
Held at Curtin University, the event explored themes of unity, responsibility, men’s wellbeing, and collective resilience. The gathering attracted participants across various age groups and professions.
In collaboration with Choma Zone, this event focused on mental health challenges within the African community, highlighting barriers to service access and encouraging early help seeking behaviour.
The Men’s Department now collaborates with Men’s Table, Men’s Shed, Richmond Fellowship, Men’s Health WA, and other organisations to expand program delivery, strengthen referral pathways, and promote positive masculinity.
OACWA remains committed to empowering African men, strengthening families, and promoting community wellbeing through African-led, culturally responsive initiatives. The Men’s Department continues to build sustainable partnerships and programs that create lasting positive change across Western Australia.
