An advisory group focused on men's health outcomes is one step closer, with Lithgow City Council discussing its terms of reference at its July 22 meeting.
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Cr Steve Ring, who proposed the creation of the group in October 2018, said it was "long overdue".
He said he envisioned the group could have a role in identifying issues which needed attention, lobbying, education and support.
"I would like to see it take a holistic approach and look at what underpins a lot of men's health problems," he said.
While it was being created by the council, Cr Ring said to succeed, the group would need to be driven by the community.
"This may be the 21st Century, but men still don't talk much," he said.
"This is something we critically need, and it needs to be an active and productive group. It can't be a talk-fest."
It was suggested to council's July 22 meeting that the group would be made up of seven community members, including two councillors.
It was suggested that among the principal responsibilities of the group would be to undertake research to identify and liaise with existing men's health groups, identify problem areas in men's health around the Lithgow local government area and examine the reasons for the increasing rate of suicide in men, particularly under the age of 35 years.
