Real Talk: A forum for boys, men and father figures

Next date: Wednesday, 02 December 2026 | 06:00 PM to 09:00 PM

Real Talk. Real Strength. Real Change.

A forum for boys, men and father figures

Hobsons Bay City Council and the Preventing Violence Together Regional Partnership invites boys, men and father figures from across Melbourne's western region for a powerful conversation about masculinity, care, respect, wellbeing and belonging.

Hear from inspiring speakers, connect with others, and explore how boys and men can play a positive role in building respectful relationships, advancing gender equality, sharing care responsibilities, and creating safer, more connected communities.

Featured speakers

• Maria Dimopoulos (MC), Chair, Safe and Equal and CEO, Settlement Council of Australia
• Tom Liberatore, former Western Bulldogs AFL player and member of Western Bulldogs Community Foundation
• Ben O'Toole, Prevention Coordinator Communities, The Men's Project at Jesuit Social Services
• Tom Ruijs, Head of Programs, Dadfit
• Ben Vasiliou, CEO, The Man Cave and Author of Better Man
• José Campi Portaluppi, Director Communications and Advocacy, Equimundo Centre for Masculinities and Social Justice
• Katen Balla, Respect Victoria's Kind Man Campaign activist

Why attend?

Whether you are a father, son, grandfather, carer, mentor, coach, teacher, employer or community leader, your influence matters.

This forum provides an opportunity to:

• Hear from leading experts and advocates working with boys and men
• Explore practical strategies for promoting health, wellbeing and respectful relationships
• Connect with others who are committed to creating positive change
• Learn how to support gender equality at home, in the workplace and in the community
• Discover local services, programs and support available to boys, men and father figures

There will also be opportunities throughout the evening to visit information stalls and connect with organisations delivering programs, services and support for boys, men and father figures across Melbourne's west.

A buffet dinner will be served from 6pm.

Bookings are essential.

Event organisers

Hobsons Bay City Council is a proud member of the Preventing Violence Together Regional Partnership, delivering this event with support from Respect Victoria and Safe and Equal.

A range of local organisations working with boys and men will also be on site to provide information, support and opportunities for ongoing involvement and community connection.

* Boys aged 15 years and under must attend with a parent, guardian or responsible adult. 

When

Location

Mission Whitten Oval, Western Grounds (enter via Gate 2), 417 Barkly Street, West Footscray, 3012, View Map