Two new Camden Council trucks won’t just be carrying waste when they hit the road.
They have been wrapped with messages aimed at spreading the word about men’s health.
Council partnered with the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and Beyond Blue to produce the designs and messages on the sides of the trucks, which were unveiled in time for Men’s Health Week.
Mayor of Camden, Cr Theresa Fedeli, said the idea of wrapping waste trucks with men’s health messaging came after council’s successful Movember initiative last November.
“On average, men die six years earlier than women for largely preventable reasons and I believe we should play a part in correcting this figure,” Cr Fedeli said.
“Last year Council had 27 staff members participate in Movember, raising more than $3,000 for men’s mental health and these waste trucks will now spread the message on a more permanent basis.
“The most important thing is to keep conversations about men’s health ongoing within families, workplaces and communities. The more we talk about men’s health, the more it shows the males in our community that it’s vital to check on themselves physically and mentally.
“I thank both the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and Beyond Blue for their continued support around men’s health.”
Prostate Cancer Foundation CEO Jeff Dunn congratulated the mayor and council for its leadership.
“This joint campaign shines a spotlight on the physical and mental health of men in our community, in the knowledge that healthy blokes help to create healthier communities,” Mr Dunn said.
“Men impacted by prostate cancer face a 70 percent increased risk of suicide – and many men walk the journey alone.
“We are proud to partner with Camden Council to raise awareness and encourage joint action towards creating a healthier, happier community.”
Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman thanked Camden Council for supporting the organisation.
“Beyond Blue is delighted to have Camden Council’s support in raising mental health awareness and reducing the harmful impact of stigma,” Ms Harman said.
“We know that on average six men will take their own life each day in Australia, and unfortunately men are far less likely to seek mental health support than women.
“It doesn’t need to be like this, and Camden Council is playing an important role in changing this.”
