The Male Assessment Screening Talking Education Referral (MASTER) Program for Aboriginal men was held in Condobolin at the Wiradjuri Cultural Centre (WCC) Tuesday, 10 May.
The program is aimed at improving the health of Aboriginal men by creating a more relaxed environment for men to get a health check and yarn about any health concerns.
“This was an opportunity for Aboriginal men to yarn to other Aboriginal men about their health in a supportive relaxed environment,” Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) Aboriginal Health Practitioner Daniel Kelly said.
“The program was developed by Western NSW Local Health District to help address some of the men’s health issues in NSW and in the LHD.
“We find that the national programs are directed at aged care, women’s health and child and family health, but there was no directed program for men or to engage men.
“What we find in our rural and remote communities is that men don’t actually access health services until it’s too late.
“With this program we hope to engage men to come in and have a yarn about medical issues. This program is about bringing health services to the people and community in a less clinical setting.”
Aboriginal Health Practitioners who were in Condobolin were trained in all different areas of health, according to Mr Kelly.
“There was an Andrology Station, which includes blood pressure, diabetes, height and weight along with Body Mass Index (BMI) available. This is to give us an idea where the patient is when they present to us,” he said.
“There was a Lifestyle Station which addresses healthy eating and smoking, among other things. “There were specific spaces dedicated to Emotional and Well being, along with alcohol and other drugs. Conversations can get a bit personal, and those areas were separated from the rest of the group so people could open up and say how they really feel.”
Sexual and Kidney Health are usually also part of the Program but were not on offer at Condobolin this time due to staffing issues around COVID-19.
“The basic screening tools we used in Condobolin are used nation wide,” Mr Kelly stated. “We look to engage people and refer them to the appropriate health services. We had a varied team working in specialised areas. “We try to engage men to talk to male health practitioners as they may be reluctant to discuss some issues with a female practitioner.
“If, during the basic screening tests, we pick up something then make up a referral letter and send it off to the local health services.
“Once they are identified and directed to health services, it is hoped they can and will take over their care.”
Mr Kelly said the program is about building a relationship with patients who may find it difficult to communicate in a clinical setting.
“The MASTER Program gives patients avenues to address any health issues they may have,” he revealed. “We are not here to take over but to link people to health services.”

Aboriginal Health Practitioner Michael Ah Kit with Richard Coe at the Male Assessment Screening Talking Education Referral (MASTER) Program for Aboriginal men in Condobolin at WCC on 10 May. The program is aimed at improving the health of Aboriginal men by creating a more relaxed environment for men to get a health check and yarn about any health concerns. Image Credit: Melissa Blewitt