Frequently Asked Questions

Our community has many valuable members including some men who are same-sex oriented. They are no more or less in number than in general life and many of our members don’t actually know or even ask these questions because it simply doesn’t matter. You will find our community more interested in ‘who you are’ more than your job or who you share your bed with.

Our standard cancellation policy is published at Terms and Conditions and has has been updated in light of Covid19. If you experience Covid19 symptoms or learn you have been in contact with a known case you must not attend our gatherings. You will not need a medical certificate to obtain a refund. All cancellations relating to Covid19 will be refunded in full without question. We will follow all Qld Health guidelines in force at the time of the Gathering.

Have a look at the testimonials. You will see that everyone gets different things but you will notice the common themes of getting connected, regaining control of life, solving problems, becoming a better man/dad/husband, getting happier.

The course (we also call it a program) runs one evening a week for nine weeks. Usually there are about 10 men who have decided to take the course and two or three facilitators who run it. Each night different topics are discussed by the group. The important thing to know that there are no lectures or whiteboards and the discussions will often go to places that the participants have never felt able to talk about before.

Things like: emotions, relationships, sex, fathers and fathering, masculinity. It’s the hard stuff that is usually not explored at all or is talked about superficially. Common Ground gets below the surface.

You pay for the course and that funds it. We keep the costs to a minimum and we subsidise men who have financial hardship where we can. We don't get any government support and this allows us to both be independent of politicians and not be subject to cutbacks.

We have a lot of feedback from partners (including some ex-partners) which say things like "better dad" or "I don’t have to walk around on eggshells, he is much less trigger happy". It’s pretty simple: a happier man makes for better life for people he has around him. Have a look at the testimonials.

Yes, for the nine weeks of the course it is a men’s group run by the facilitators. At the end of the course its usual for the men to decide that they will keep meeting and will run their men’s group themselves. Some of the groups formed in this way have continued for many years and they develop a life of their own.

No. It's not religious, political, gay, straight or any other thing like that. The agenda is to get men listening and supporting each other and learning the way to run their own men’s group if that is what they want.

It's run by Men's Wellbeing Inc which is a not-for-profit community association. Our tag line is "Men Supporting Men" and that pretty much sums it up. The Common Ground program is one of the things we do. You can look at our website www.menswellbeing.org.

Over the nine weeks of the course we get to know each other really well including some of our difficulties. Naturally enough the men give each other support and in many cases friendship as well. Then if the group continues after the nine week these connections grow and deepen.

Firstly it's facilitated by men who have done the course themselves so they know what it is like to come along to something that's different. Secondly they are trained to deliver the program. Finally, they are not experts or psychologists who are going to tell you how to lead your life but they are really skilled at running groups and supporting men to look at themselves and to connect to each other. It's not a program which sets out to "fix" you, but it will provide a place where you can work on fixing or extending yourself.

Yes. One of the guidelines for the groups is that participation in everything is voluntary. This means that you won't be asked to "do stuff" that is unsafe. In fact, there are several guidelines that are there to keep everyone safe which you will be asked to agree to. Having said that most men find the program challenging. At times it may bring up feelings that are uncomfortable or we may have to face parts of ourselves we don't like. If it wasn’t a challenge it wouldn't be worth doing would it?

Over 20 years ago a group of Brisbane men ran a men's help phone service. This eventually evolved into the Men's Wellbeing association and the Common Ground program.

Well over 1000 men have done Common Ground in Queensland, Victoria and Tasmania. The program has been running for over 10 years in the Brisbane area.

Good question. The answer is probably that as a community association we don't have the resources to advertise. We are glad you have heard of it now!

Well you probably don't need one to survive. However maybe you need one to thrive? A place where you can step back from the pressure, be accepted without being judged and where you can be heard. If you have never been to one then you really don’t know what you are missing. You have got nothing to lose by coming along and finding out!

Before each course runs we have an information session which is free and you can go to meet the facilitators who will be running the course and learn more about it. You can also meet other men who have done the Common Ground course. The intro night is usually on a weeknight from 7:00pm to 9:00pm.

We run men's groups in two ways: The first we call Open Men's Groups. These are free. The second we call Common Ground men's groups. We try and match the cost to your ability to pay. See the details on this page.

Provided that you have attended all the nights of the course if you are not satisfied with value for money then contact the program manager and he will refund what you paid. His email is: cg@menswellbeing.org

We are running courses in Melbourne and the Brisbane region including the Gold and Sunshine coasts. If you are in Tasmania, contact Tasmen. Have a look at the booking page for details of dates and locations.

Our programs are tried and tested. You will be supported and you will not be judged. Our goal is to provide the place where you can challenge yourself to be your best without any pressure to do anything you don’t want to do.

Mens Wellbeing has no religious affiliation or bias. All men are welcome regardless of religious belief, nationality or sexual orientation. Our core values are honesty, respect and authenticity. There is no getting it right or wrong in our programs.

Sorry, no pets are allowed.

We reserve a small number of half-price tickets for men in financial need. To apply, please call 07 3067 3449.

The inner judge is the worst kind! This is the judge you will have your biggest wrestle with as Mens Wellbeing understands the need for honesty and respect and these values are woven through everything we do. Our programs are not a test you must pass, they are an opportunity to look at yourself and your life, as you choose to, and make your own decisions about what your next step is.

Our community has many valuable members including some men who are same-sex oriented. They are no more or less in number than in general life and many of our members don’t actually know or even ask these questions because it simply doesn’t matter. You will find our community more interested in ‘who you are’ more than your job or who you share your bed with.

Absolutely! Rollicking belly laughs are part and parcel of the our men’s gathering experience. We all have been boys once and having fun is part of our birthright!

You do not need fixing. You are the captain of your ship and it is you who will navigate your own course. We are here to encourage and support whatever your choices are. Our programs offer you opportunities to learn new skills and enjoy experiences that can change the way you look at your life and relationships.

Not at all. Many men come along to our gatherings simply to relax, network with other men and enjoy a light-hearted “men‘s space” of camaraderie and like minds. Men can either attend workshops they feel drawn to, or not. Our Common Ground Men’s Groups are a space of supported growth for going deeper into life’s issues, in a place of respect and without pressure.

Our standard cancellation policy is published at Terms and Conditions and has has been updated in light of Covid19. If you experience Covid19 symptoms or learn you have been in contact with a known case you must not attend our gatherings. You will not need a medical certificate to obtain a refund. All cancellations relating to Covid19 will be refunded in full without question. We will follow all Qld Health guidelines in force at the time of the Gathering.

A men's gatherings is a place for men from every background, religious, political and sexual persuasion to meet in a spirit of honesty and trust and openness. We encourage men to feel free and be real with themselves and others in a supportive environment. Expect a warm welcome and plentiful conversation and laughter, with many opportunities to get to know yourself and others in a strongly grounded space of respect, growth and trust. We run workshops, exercise activities, and small conversation groups over the course of the weekend. We come together for healthy meals cooked by our experienced kitchen crew. All activities, food and accommodation are included in your single ticket price. Your weekend can be busy with workshops or quiet with relaxation. The choice is totally up to you.

The majority of work for volunteers is on Friday before the event opens as we are setting up the venue for over 100 men! There are further tasks throughout the weekend but these would take less than 2 hours out of your day. Volunteers can apply for a reduced-price ticket by calling 07 3067 3449. Places are limited, so apply early!

Mens Wellbeing Inc is a not-for-profit Association incorporated in Queensland. About Us

Men under the age of 18 (and over the age of 16) may attend our weekend gatherings if accompanied by their father or adult male guardian. Please contact our office to understand these additional conditions and book.

We offer a car pooling service as part of your registration. As a driver or passenger you will be matched to another attendee from nearby the weekend before the gathering and put in touch by email. (Passengers from more remote locations face the chance we won't be able to offer a driver sharing their route and should bear this in mind when booking.)

Bornhoffen offers 9 cabins of 12 beds and 7 cabins of 8 beds. If you need a powerpoint for a CPAP machine, or are concerned about your snoring, please indicate this when you book.

Alcohol and any recreational drugs including cannabis are not permitted. You must leave these at home. We further encourage you to leave your mobile phone at home, or at least locked in your car for the weekend! There will be a designated area for tobacco smoking but we encourage you to cut back or go without for the weekend.

All our weekend gatherings are able to cater for vegetarian and vegan diets as well as diets that must avoid dairy and/or gluten. You will be asked for your diet in the booking process.

Our programs are tried and tested. You will be supported and you will not be judged. Our goal is to provide the place where you can challenge yourself to be your best without any pressure to do anything you don’t want to do.

Mens Wellbeing has no religious affiliation or bias. All men are welcome regardless of religious belief, nationality or sexual orientation. Our core values are honesty, respect and authenticity. There is no getting it right or wrong in our programs.

Sorry, no pets are allowed.

We reserve a small number of half-price tickets for men in financial need. To apply, please call 07 3067 3449.

The inner judge is the worst kind! This is the judge you will have your biggest wrestle with as Mens Wellbeing understands the need for honesty and respect and these values are woven through everything we do. Our programs are not a test you must pass, they are an opportunity to look at yourself and your life, as you choose to, and make your own decisions about what your next step is.

Our community has many valuable members including some men who are same-sex oriented. They are no more or less in number than in general life and many of our members don’t actually know or even ask these questions because it simply doesn’t matter. You will find our community more interested in ‘who you are’ more than your job or who you share your bed with.

Absolutely! Rollicking belly laughs are part and parcel of the our men’s gathering experience. We all have been boys once and having fun is part of our birthright!

You do not need fixing. You are the captain of your ship and it is you who will navigate your own course. We are here to encourage and support whatever your choices are. Our programs offer you opportunities to learn new skills and enjoy experiences that can change the way you look at your life and relationships.

Not at all. Many men come along to our gatherings simply to relax, network with other men and enjoy a light-hearted “men‘s space” of camaraderie and like minds. Men can either attend workshops they feel drawn to, or not. Our Common Ground Men’s Groups are a space of supported growth for going deeper into life’s issues, in a place of respect and without pressure.

Our standard cancellation policy is published at Terms and Conditions and has has been updated in light of Covid19. If you experience Covid19 symptoms or learn you have been in contact with a known case you must not attend our gatherings. You will not need a medical certificate to obtain a refund. All cancellations relating to Covid19 will be refunded in full without question. We will follow all Qld Health guidelines in force at the time of the Gathering.

A men's gatherings is a place for men from every background, religious, political and sexual persuasion to meet in a spirit of honesty and trust and openness. We encourage men to feel free and be real with themselves and others in a supportive environment. Expect a warm welcome and plentiful conversation and laughter, with many opportunities to get to know yourself and others in a strongly grounded space of respect, growth and trust. We run workshops, exercise activities, and small conversation groups over the course of the weekend. We come together for healthy meals cooked by our experienced kitchen crew. All activities, food and accommodation are included in your single ticket price. Your weekend can be busy with workshops or quiet with relaxation. The choice is totally up to you.

Accommodation is in shared dormitories or you can bring your own tent and camp. Indicate your choice when booking.

We appreciate you arriving between 4PM and 6PM. Check in with the registration crew when you arrive for directions. Our first activity is dinner at 6PM!

The majority of work for volunteers is on Friday before the event opens as we are setting up the venue for over 100 men! There are further tasks throughout the weekend but these would take less than 2 hours out of your day. Volunteers can apply for a reduced-price ticket by calling 07 3067 3449. Places are limited, so apply early!

From the south side of Brisbane:

1. Leave Brisbane via Ipswich Road;
2. Take the Toowoomba exit on the left;
3. Take the Esk turnoff to the right;
4. Turn right into Wivenhoe–Somerset Road (signposted Somerset Dam via Splityard Creek Dam, Mount Glorious, & Brisbane Forest Park);
5. Turn right into Stanley Pocket Road;
6. Turn right into gate for Camp Somerset.

From the north side of Brisbane:

1. Take the Kilcoy/Caboolture exit off the Bruce Highway and join the D'Aguilar Highway to Woodford and Kilcoy;
2. On reaching Kilcoy follow the main road through town. Just past Kilcoy turn left into Esk–Kilcoy Road;
3. Just past Somerset Dam township turn left into Wivenhoe–Somerset Road;
4. Turn left into Stanley Pocket Road;
5. 6. Turn right into gate for Camp Somerset.

Mens Wellbeing Inc is a not-for-profit Association incorporated in Queensland. About Us

Men under the age of 18 (and over the age of 16) may attend our weekend gatherings if accompanied by their father or adult male guardian. Please contact our office to understand these additional conditions and book.

We offer a car pooling service as part of your registration. As a driver or passenger you will be matched to another attendee from nearby the weekend before the gathering and put in touch by email. (Passengers from more remote locations face the chance we won't be able to offer a driver sharing their route and should bear this in mind when booking.)

Alcohol and any recreational drugs including cannabis are not permitted. You must leave these at home. We further encourage you to leave your mobile phone at home, or at least locked in your car for the weekend! There will be a designated area for tobacco smoking but we encourage you to cut back or go without for the weekend.

All our weekend gatherings are able to cater for vegetarian and vegan diets as well as diets that must avoid dairy and/or gluten. You will be asked for your diet in the booking process.

Our programs are tried and tested. You will be supported and you will not be judged. Our goal is to provide the place where you can challenge yourself to be your best without any pressure to do anything you don’t want to do.

Mens Wellbeing has no religious affiliation or bias. All men are welcome regardless of religious belief, nationality or sexual orientation. Our core values are honesty, respect and authenticity. There is no getting it right or wrong in our programs.

Sorry, no pets are allowed.

We reserve a small number of half-price tickets for men in financial need. To apply, please call 07 3067 3449.

The inner judge is the worst kind! This is the judge you will have your biggest wrestle with as Mens Wellbeing understands the need for honesty and respect and these values are woven through everything we do. Our programs are not a test you must pass, they are an opportunity to look at yourself and your life, as you choose to, and make your own decisions about what your next step is.

Our community has many valuable members including some men who are same-sex oriented. They are no more or less in number than in general life and many of our members don’t actually know or even ask these questions because it simply doesn’t matter. You will find our community more interested in ‘who you are’ more than your job or who you share your bed with.

Absolutely! Rollicking belly laughs are part and parcel of the our men’s gathering experience. We all have been boys once and having fun is part of our birthright!

You do not need fixing. You are the captain of your ship and it is you who will navigate your own course. We are here to encourage and support whatever your choices are. Our programs offer you opportunities to learn new skills and enjoy experiences that can change the way you look at your life and relationships.

Not at all. Many men come along to our gatherings simply to relax, network with other men and enjoy a light-hearted “men‘s space” of camaraderie and like minds. Men can either attend workshops they feel drawn to, or not. Our Common Ground Men’s Groups are a space of supported growth for going deeper into life’s issues, in a place of respect and without pressure.

Our standard cancellation policy is published at Terms and Conditions and has has been updated in light of Covid19. If you experience Covid19 symptoms or learn you have been in contact with a known case you must not attend our gatherings. You will not need a medical certificate to obtain a refund. All cancellations relating to Covid19 will be refunded in full without question. We will follow all Qld Health guidelines in force at the time of the Gathering.

A men's gatherings is a place for men from every background, religious, political and sexual persuasion to meet in a spirit of honesty and trust and openness. We encourage men to feel free and be real with themselves and others in a supportive environment. Expect a warm welcome and plentiful conversation and laughter, with many opportunities to get to know yourself and others in a strongly grounded space of respect, growth and trust. We run workshops, exercise activities, and small conversation groups over the course of the weekend. We come together for healthy meals cooked by our experienced kitchen crew. All activities, food and accommodation are included in your single ticket price. Your weekend can be busy with workshops or quiet with relaxation. The choice is totally up to you.

The majority of work for volunteers is on Friday before the event opens as we are setting up the venue for over 100 men! There are further tasks throughout the weekend but these would take less than 2 hours out of your day. Volunteers can apply for a reduced-price ticket by calling 07 3067 3449. Places are limited, so apply early!

Mens Wellbeing Inc is a not-for-profit Association incorporated in Queensland. About Us

Men under the age of 18 (and over the age of 16) may attend our weekend gatherings if accompanied by their father or adult male guardian. Please contact our office to understand these additional conditions and book.

Alcohol and any recreational drugs including cannabis are not permitted. You must leave these at home. We further encourage you to leave your mobile phone at home, or at least locked in your car for the weekend! There will be a designated area for tobacco smoking but we encourage you to cut back or go without for the weekend.

All our weekend gatherings are able to cater for vegetarian and vegan diets as well as diets that must avoid dairy and/or gluten. You will be asked for your diet in the booking process.

Sorry, no pets are allowed.

We appreciate you arriving between 4PM and 6PM. Check in with the registration crew when you arrive for directions. Our first activity is dinner at 6PM!

Bornhoffen offers 9 cabins of 12 beds and 7 cabins of 8 beds. If you need a powerpoint for a CPAP machine, or are concerned about your snoring, please indicate this when you book.

Alcohol and any recreational drugs including cannabis are not permitted. You must leave these at home. We further encourage you to leave your mobile phone at home, or at least locked in your car for the weekend! There will be a designated area for tobacco smoking but we encourage you to cut back or go without for the weekend.

All our weekend gatherings are able to cater for vegetarian and vegan diets as well as diets that must avoid dairy and/or gluten. You will be asked for your diet in the booking process.