Meeting Minutes : April 2025: Tarang Chawla Training Workshop
Men’s Consultation Group – Tarang Chawla Workshop
Date: Tuesday 15th April
Time: 10:00am – 1:00pm
Location: The Riverina Anglican College
Facilitator : Tarang Chawla
Attendees
Bernard Higgins
Dallas Tout
Dr Joe McGirr
Craig Mansour
Ash Credlin
Scott Sanbrook and guest
Joshua Pearson
Rhys Cummins
Phillip Tome
Penny StanburyJulie Milsom
Kylie Fitzpatrick
Summary for Attendees
At the Tarang Workshop, the Men’s Consultation Group reflected on previous discussions about the Man Box, reviewed strategies to align values with actions using the "4 Ds" model, and committed to several actions to promote positive change in the community. Key next steps include developing a one-page visual handout, delivering presentations, conducting outreach, and distributing resources.
1. Discussion Recap – The Man Box
Participants reflected on the ongoing impact of the Man Box concepts:
- Dallas: Emphasised the importance of community-led and organisation-supported conversations rather than forcing change.
- Dr Joe: Noted that individuals scoring 1–4 on the Man Box scale experience significantly worse health outcomes.
2. Aligning Values with Actions – Supporting Men to Prevent Violence
The group reviewed the "4 Ds" model as a framework for intervening safely and effectively:
- Direct: Speak up and call out inappropriate behaviour.
- Distract: Interrupt the situation indirectly or remove the target.
- Delegate: Seek help or support from others.
- Delay: Check in later with the person affected.
3. Building Confidence and Addressing Barriers
Participants reflected on what actions they might take differently after the workshop:
- Craig: Intends to proactively identify trusted allies across community spaces.
Barriers to action were identified as:
- Fear of backlash
- Awkwardness
- Uncertainty
- Peer pressure
It was agreed that doing something is better than doing nothing.
4. Facilitated Commitment Activities
Participants completed the following exercises:
- Three Circles Exercise
- Commitment Card
- Action Plan Development
5. Next Steps and Action Items
Develop visual one-page handout on the '4 Ds' and group messaging - Penny
Plan presentation for military audiences - Dallas
Conduct outreach to sports organisations - Dr Joe
Distribute '4 Ds' materials and resources face-to-face at target locations (pubs, schools, churches, service clubs, etc.) - All Members
Develop social media messaging campaign promoting the '4 Ds' - Penny
Recruit additional MCG members across diverse community sectors -All Members
Attend Liquor Accord meeting to promote campaign
Share messaging with hospitality sector