With generous grant support from Castle Hill RSL Club, Hills Community Aid has developed the “Good Men Don’t” Podcast series – an initiative designed to spark meaningful conversations among men across the Hills LGA about respectful relationships and the realities of domestic violence in our community.
Building on the existing Good Men Project, the podcast showcases positive male role models who demonstrate healthy relationship behaviours, alongside interviews with individuals who bring lived experience and professional expertise from the field. The series also creates a supportive space for men to reflect on their own behaviour, learn, and seek help where needed.
Warren Schweitzer plays a key role in leading the project as Podcast Host, supported by co-presenter Levi Murray. Reflecting on his experience, Warren said he was surprised by how much there was still to learn about the issue.
“When I began researching the topic of domestic violence, I thought I knew quite a bit about the subject. But the more I delved into it, the more I realised I did not fully understand the true breadth and depth of the issue,” he said.
Warren continued, highlighting the widespread impact of domestic violence on the community.
“Domestic violence affects so many people in our community, and the cost to society is enormous. This podcast only scratches the surface of what is a very complex problem. However, with a multi-agency approach, involving local, state and federal governments working alongside businesses and community groups, meaningful solutions can be found,” he said.
He also shared some of the key insights gained through the podcast series.
“One major learning for me in the Podcast was understanding the drivers of men’s violence against women. While there are many, some of the key factors include the condoning of violence against women, men’s control over decision-making, rigid gender stereotypes, and a culture of harmful masculinity,” Warren said.
Domestic violence remains a serious issue affecting countless families. According to the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics, in 2021–22 an estimated 1.5% of Australian women aged 18 and over experienced violence from an intimate partner in the past 12 months. NSW Police also report responding to a domestic violence incident every three minutes, and tragically, one woman is killed each week by a current or former male partner.
Enough is enough. You can help stop the violence: Hear something – see something – say something.
The “Good Men Don’t” Podcast was recently launched by Dr Michelle Byrne, Hills Shire Mayor, during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. The series is available on Spotify and YouTube. For more information, visit www.hca.org.au or call 9639 8620.
