Men, Masculinity and Community Connection: Regional Pathways Inclusive Mental Health Reform - Bundaberg and Beyond
Tracks
Ballroom 2 - In-Person Only
| Wednesday, June 24, 2026 |
| 12:10 PM - 12:40 PM |
Overview
Jo Leveritt & Mx Jason Scadden-Rushton, Wide Bay
Advocacy Inc
Details
1. Mental health services are not gender-neutral.
Men in regional areas face distinct barriers to help-seeking that require intentional, gender-sensitive service design and workforce training.
2. Trust builds through shared identity and context.
Effective engagement in regional settings depends on relationships and understanding how masculinity and geography shape access to care.
3. Community-driven partnerships enable systemic change.
Cross-sector collaboration between advocacy, research and practice can translate evidence into actionable mental health reform at local, national and international levels.
Presenter
Ms Jo Leveritt
CEO
Wide Bay Advocacy Inc
Men, Masculinity and Community Connection: Regional Pathways Inclusive Mental Health Reform - Bundaberg and Beyond
Biography
Jo Leveritt is a human rights lawyer and social justice advocate who founded Wide Bay Advocacy and Bundaberg Law. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Graduate Certificate in Family and Domestic Violence Practice from CQUniversity. Jo leads volunteer lawyers and law students delivering weekly pro bono legal clinics and launched the Steps Forward program supporting women and children experiencing family violence. She was awarded CQUniversity's Outstanding Alumnus of the Year 2026 for her social justice work. Jo contributes regular advocacy columns to regional newspapers and serves on community boards advancing justice in regional Queensland.
Mx Jason Scadden-Rushton
Senior Mental Health Clinician
Wide Bay Advocacy Inc
Men, Masculinity and Community Connection: Regional Pathways Inclusive Mental Health Reform - Bundaberg and Beyond
Biography
Bio not provided
