This year, AMSA’s health check program reached more men — and more communities — than ever before, thanks to the strong partnerships we’ve built with universities and local health providers. Across six events across the country, we teamed up with our university and health partners to complete more than 2,000 health checks. From the Royal Bathurst Show to the Henty Field Days, and even a music festival on the Sunshine Coast, we met men (and plenty of families) in all sorts of settings — talking health, connection, and community.
Each event offered something unique, but the message stayed the same: taking a few minutes for a simple check can make a real difference. We’ve heard powerful stories from men who first stopped in years ago and have since taken life-changing action — getting stents, addressing prostate concerns, or just making healthier lifestyle choices.
Our partners — including the University of Western Sydney, Charles Sturt University, Sunshine Coast Area Health, and the University of South Australia — were key to making it all happen. Their energy, professionalism, and student involvement keep these health checks running smoothly and meaningfully.
Last year and this we have started to see and hear from past health check participants that have shared how their visit to our site caused them to investigate further health issues that had been brought to their attention. We heard of stents being put in, prostate issues addressed as well as weight reduction and healthier lifestyles being shared.
A highlight from the Australian National Field Days: Costa Georgiadis stepped in as judge of the scarecrow competition, where the Borenore Primary School kids showcased their Halloween creations. True to form, Costa charmed everyone he met — and even agreed to get his health check done by a Charles Sturt University (CSU) paramedicine student!
This was CSU’s first year joining the Borenore Nashdale Men’s Shed health check stand, with a little help from AMSA to pull everything together. Across the three days, the team completed an incredible 204 health checks — and with only three first-year students on deck!
CSU has long been a mainstay at our Henty Field Days, so it didn’t take much convincing to get them on board for ANFD. They’ve already asked if the Shed blokes can build another health check station for the 2026 event, where they hope to encourage even more students to take part in this fantastic placement program – one that hones the most important skill in paramedicine: communication with the patient.
While we love the numbers — more than 2,000 checks in total — what really matters are the conversations started, the awareness raised, and the connections built.
Here’s to more healthy chats, quick checks, and strong partnerships in 2026.