Home   |   About Us   |   Circle of Men International   |   Get Involved   |   Heart Of The Matter   |   What's Going On   |   Contact Us   |   Our Partners

Washuntara and Mike Tarlo 

Our organisation

The Circle of Men in Queensland is an incorporated not-for-profit organisation which has charitable tax status.  The men who sit on our Management Committee are:

President: Michael Tarlo

Deputy President: Maurice O’Connell

Secretary: Ross Wiseman

Treasurer: Terry Green

Committee Members: Rolf Zetlins, Peter Lampard

Our links with the wider Mens’ Movement

The Circle of Men actively links with the wider men’s movement in Australia through the likes of:

·         Mens Wellbeing Queensland

·         TASMEN Mens Group

·         TASMEN Elders

·         National Elders Gathering

Our Financial Resources

Circle of Men receives no public funding, save for an occasional once-off grant such as that received from the Redland City Council recently. 

As we are an all-volunteer outfit, our needs for financial support are relatively small, but every bit as important for our survival.  We have annual expenses for registration, insurance, equipment for our work and the like.

We greatly appreciate gifts and donations, and we are able to offer a tax concession on any donations we receive.

Contact our Treasurer, Terry Green

The Circle of Men groups were first founded in Nashville, USA, by Orlan Jennings, Chris Sieter and Washuntara in 1990.  Mens groups conducted by dedicated elders, happen every Wednesday in the USA, come hell or high water.  Thousands of men and boys have changed their lives for the better in that time. More on Circle of Men International drop down button.

In 2005 in Redland City, Queensland, Australia, a manager of an aged care home called for help from men to visit the elder men who were suffering from loneliness and social isolation in her home.  Two friends, Mike Tarlo and Washuntara (who had returned to live in Australia) became acquainted with this situation, and decided to do something about it.  They were invited into this home to meet with the older men.  This led to the establishment of an ongoing weekly meeting which still continues.   Through this event the Circle of Men was established in Australia, and it now operates with 20 trained volunteers who, in teams of 2 or 3, visit 7 aged care homes in the Redlands at a fixed time every week.

Mike and Washuntara soon found that men comprised only about 10% of the residents of aged care homes.  Thus they live in a predominantly female environment.  Many of the men, who were from the Great Depression & World War 2 generation, were uncomfortable in aged care particularly having lost most of their independence.  They didn’t tend to turn to other mates for personal support.  They didn’t want to be a burden to their mates, who they saw were in a similar position anyway.

Circle of Men meetings are informal, but they do have a structure.   A meeting commences with a check-in period where everyone shares how life is for them at present.  This often leads into focusing on those who facing a tough time, or maybe, where a celebration is called for.  This sort of support fosters a brotherly community.

There is then time for yarning, sharing jokes around a snack, or maybe a beer. There may follow a rousing sing-along, or a talk over of old times or, maybe what’s happening in the world today.  Volunteers with music skills are very helpful.  Other times, we might take the men out to a show, or for coffee or lunch.  At times, we stand tall with our elders at the funeral of one of our mates.

Our meetings have no religious or other intent.  Befriending is our aim.  Volunteers come away from meetings knowing in their hearts they have made a genuine difference in the lives of the elders.  The fulfilment our volunteers get from their involvement with the elders cannot be underestimated.  They become very fond of them, and look forward to the meeting each week. 

Requests are often received from other aged care home.  Without new volunteers, we are unable to respond.  We need new men no matter what their age or background.  Our volunteers are asked to serve as either a Team Facilitator or a Team Supporter.
                             
           

Creating an environment for the wellbeing of men in our community