‘Shoulder to Shoulder’ for Men’s Health

As we head toward Men’s Health Week, men over the age of 50 are being urged to make and keep strong relationships and social connections for their well-being and to seek help early if they need it.

City of Salisbury is holding a special Men’s Health Week event ‘Shoulder-to-Shoulder: Connecting for Health’ on Friday 20 June 2025 at the Jack Young Centre, Salisbury, with a mix of speakers and activities. (See below for more detail).

Dave Sanderson, a mental health clinician and educator, will talk about ‘Men’s Mental Health: Recognising signs and seeking help’.

“For men over 50, breaking the silence is the first step toward mental well-being,” says Mr Sanderson, who is Clinical Lead/Educator in Mental Health Nursing at the University of SA.

“Men's mental health, especially in those aged 50 and over as life changes occur, is often overlooked due to societal expectations and stigma,” he says. “Recognising the early warning signs of a mental health issue and seeking help are crucial steps in promoting well-being.”

Mr Sanderson will discuss how to differentiate between normal stress and more serious issues like depression or anxiety, when to seek professional help, and the first steps to getting that help.

Rod Quintrell Executive Director of WalkingSA and an allied health practitioner, will talk about “The health benefits of spending time outdoors”.

“There are many social benefits from walking, such as personal and community wellbeing, healthier and less polluting populations, and encouraging our shared role as conservation stewards,” Rod says.

Award winning photographer and journalist Barry O’Brien will talk about his career and a life well lived backed by his incredible photos and amazing stories.

Today, aged 84, Barry keeps himself busy with photography, baseball coaching, writing, and hosting regular radio programs on local community radio station 5PBA.

The Men’s Health Week event at the Jack Young Centre kicks off at 9.30 am Friday 20 June, when participants will have access to free health checks. To cap off the day, there will be various stalls, Chevrolet cars and Harley motorcycles, and live music.

See over for more information on the speakers.

Dave Sanderson

Dave is a Credentialed Mental Health Nurse with over 25 years’ experience within various clinical settings within Australia and the United Kingdom.

Currently, he is the Mental Health Nursing Clinical Lead/Clinical Educator for students at UniSA Health and works at the Elizabeth South Clinic, City West, and City East. Dave also lectures within the School of Nursing teaching mental health nursing as part of the Bachelor of Nursing.

For the past 10 years Dave has been a Squadron Leader with the RAAF Specialist Reservists, as a Nursing Officer – Mental Health. His role entails Air Retrieval Service, Critical Incident Mental Health Support and Coordination, HQ Air Intelligence Wellbeing and Resilience Team, and as a specialist trainer with the ADF Mental Health and Psychology Directorate. He has been deployed on operations overseas and local humanitarian operations such as Op Bushfire Assist and Op Flood Assist.

Rod Quintrell

Rod is the current Executive Director of Walking SA, the peak body for all types of walking in South Australia.

Rod is a trained psychotherapist and bushwalk guide, trainer and assessor, with many years working with specialised populations in the community mental health, education, tourism and recreation spaces.

He is committed to the continued growth of participation in all types of walking, with a particular interest in nature connection.

Barry O’Brien

Multi award winning photographer and journalist Barry O’Brien worked at The Advertiser for over 46 years as a photographer, pictorial editor and manager, and as a journalist.

Barry has won awards for sports photography and travel writing and was inducted into the Adelaide Oval Media Hall of Fame in 2016.

A keen follower of all sports, Barry founded the Gawler Rangers Baseball club in 2007. He is a Life Member of this club, the Golden Grove Central Districts Baseball Club, and also a Life Member of SA Baseball.