Older men across Cardinia Shire and Casey are being invited to reconnect, reflect and rediscover purpose through the relaunch of OMNI – Older Men New Ideas – a unique discussion group that helps build community and support among men aged over 60.
The OMNI day group, supported by Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria and hosted at Outlook Community Centre, is making a fresh start with a Relaunch Day on Wednesday 11 June from 9.30am-12pm. The free event will offer conversation, connection, and morning tea, aiming to bring new faces into a group that’s been a lifeline for many.
“We’re not starting from scratch — we’re rebuilding a group that’s almost on its knees,” OMNI facilitator Ken McMaster said.
“The aim is simple: to build our numbers and get older men talking again.”
Ken said while the OMNI group had endured for many years, it faced a steady decline due to the impacts of COVID, health issues, and natural aging.
“COVID knocked us around. We lost a few to illness and age, and the numbers just haven’t bounced back,” he said.
“In our age group, there’s always some attrition — men get sick, go on holidays, or sadly pass away. If we’re not growing our numbers, we’re shrinking.”
OMNI is not a formal support group, but it offers something equally powerful: peer connection, understanding, and solidarity.
“A lot of men don’t even realise they need something like this until they walk in the door,” Ken explained.
“They’re facing retirement, loneliness, illness or grief — and often don’t talk about it. But once they’re in the room and see others who’ve been through the same, it changes everything.”
The Relaunch Day aims to draw in new members, with a relaxed, informative session designed to explain what OMNI is all about.
Guests can expect a warm welcome, informal chats, and a chance to “chew the fat” about the challenges of later life.
“It’s really about finding common ground and realising you’re not alone,” Ken said.
“You might come for the morning tea, but you’ll stay for the mateship.”
The group is also looking to share leadership roles more broadly among its members, encouraging men to step up and help keep the group running.
“As long as you do it all for them, they’ll let you,” Ken said with a laugh. “But we want this to be something owned by the men, so it lasts.”
To learn more or RSVP, contact Ken (0419574865) or Outlook Community Centre.
