Men's group forms

The inaugural meeting of a group for men, Mates@Umina, was held on Friday, October 8.

The group was established to supplement the evolution of male self-awareness and to connect men with their masculine balance, according to facilitator Mr Darren Maxwell.

"The mission of Mates@Umina is to positively impact lives of men on the peninsula by helping them strengthen themselves, their intimate relationships, their family, and their community," he said.

"Australian author Steve Biddulph made it clear that males growing up over the last few generations did not learn how to be men, because no one ever taught them or showed them how.

"In the 20th century, men almost disappeared from the lives of children, communities disintegrated, and men withdrew from each other," said Mr Maxwell.

Mr Maxwell said that Mates provided a service for men who were active in community service work or those who were interested in joining a self-development community.

The group will meet every second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 7pm at the New Earth Centre Umina Beach.

For more information, telephone Darren Maxwell on 4344 3658 or go to www.newearthcentre.com

Email, 21 Oct 2010 Darren Maxwell, Mates@Umina