Cairns 2-4 August 2013

Our Organising Committee are busy planning ManTime now!

If you want to present a workshop at ManTime, please read this invitation.

Bookings for ManTime will open next month. Why not follow developments at  facebook.com/menswellbeing and subscribe to  our newsletter list?  (The sign-up button is at the lower left of this page.)

Our theme this year is inspired by the question Who is Controlling my Life?

Men often have issues around control—too much control, not enough control, control over others, being controlled by others, even trusting others by handing over control. Control can both alarm and allure!

Over the 2 days of ManTime in 2013, we will be exploring control in all aspects of our lives. Control can imply power to harm or power to help. Control can be about sharing knowledge or can mean keeping secrets. Control can be over ourselves or over others. Control can limit our lives or give us the freedom to grow. Trusting control to others can hurt us greatly when that trust is misplaced just as it can free us when that trust is placed in those that love us.

Some men avoid controlling or acknowledging aspects of their lives such as their "inner life". This can include their creative, spontaneous, and fun-loving side. Some men see these aspects as "feminine" and leave it up to the women in their lives to live out these aspects for them. Of course for other men who are comfortable with these aspects, they might find the greater challenge is in taking control of their finances, finding meaning in their work, or acknowledging health and fitness issues.

This weekend gathering will provide you opportunities to connect with other men and explore the diversity of life’s challenges and opportunities. ManTime 2013 is a special opportunity for men in far-north Queensland to come together in an accepting and supportive environment and where they can share, learn and enrich their life journey together.  We welcome men of all ages to share our weekend of adventure and fellowship!

ManTime takes place at beautiful Camp Tinaroo on the shore of Lake Tinaroo on the Atherton Tablelands of far-north Queensland. This is the fifth year of our Gathering and we would love to see our brothers from the southern states!

Why go to a Men's Gathering?

Open Ground men's gatherings are recognised internationally for providing life-changing programmes and creating a strong community of men. ManTime allows men a weekend get-away to connect with other men, to forge new friendships and to develop as a man through a series of high-quality workshops and activities over the weekend.

ManTime  is a safe, non-judgemental, supportive space where you choose what you want to do—be it a workshop, relaxing, talking, meditating, swimming, taking quiet personal time for reflection or making new friends. It's totally up to you! 

Who attends a Men's Gathering?

Men from 18 to 80+ from all walks of life, careers, race, family and social backgrounds. We find there is no typical attendee. What we do find is that men who attend are usually seeking a better way to define themselves and a better way to live their lives. ManTime is open to all men from any background, religious, political or sexual persuasion. We encourage freedom for men to be real with themselves and other men.

About Camp Tinaroo

Camp Tinaroo is situated on a bush-covered peninsula on Lake Tinaroo on the Atherton Tablelands, approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes drive west from Cairns on the Kennedy Highway via Kuranda, Mareeba and Tolga. Activities include beach volley ball, canoeing, fishing, swimming and bush-walking.

How it all works

At ManTime, it's all about choice. The atmosphere is light and welcoming. Each man is treated with absolute respect as to his level of participation. We offer all men the opportunity to dive deep into personal enquiry or to stay relaxed and chilled at your own pace.

Laughter is often heard and shared. We encourage you to bring musical instruments for the cabaret, or for casual jamming and singing around the fire.

Food is one of the highlights of ManTime. Healthy, nutritious and filling meals are provided by our experienced catering team. Snacks and refreshments are available throughout the day. You won't go home hungry from ManTime—guaranteed!

About the Workshops

We are developing a wide selection of workshops. Workshops are scheduled at an easy pace with plenty of time for refreshments and sharing. We will be posting a list of these workshop on these pages next month!