HIM’s new chair Graeme Sutherland with Graham Lancaster who has a scholarship named in his honour. Photo: Julian O’Brien.
Healthier Illawarra Men has entered a new chapter, appointing Graeme Sutherland as chair while launching a scholarship to honour the legacy of respected community figure Graham Lancaster AM.
It’s a move that will strengthen its mission to improve men’s health and prevent domestic and family violence across the region.
Mr Sutherland was former deputy chair and now replaces outgoing chairman Mark Sleigh, who will remain involved as chair emeritus and partnerships ambassador.
Since HIM’s reformation in 2021, Mr Sleigh has steered the organisation through a period of steady growth, expanding its funding base and deepening partnerships with charities aligned to its mission.
Mr Sutherland said he was honoured to step into the role at a time of growing impact.
“HIM exists to empower men to make better choices — for their own health, for their families and for the broader community,” he said.
“We have strong foundations, committed partners and a clear purpose.
“My focus is on building on that momentum and expanding our reach across the Illawarra.”
HIM’s charter focuses on raising awareness of men’s health issues and encouraging respectful, responsible behaviours to help prevent domestic, family and sexual violence, with its mission to provide the resources and support they need to lead healthier lives.
HIM has also launched The Graham Lancaster AM Scholarship for Outstanding Contribution to Men’s Health, recognising Mr Lancaster’s decades of philanthropy and his foundational support of the organisation.
An annual scholarship, it will honour individuals under 30 who have shown leadership and commitment to improving men’s health or preventing domestic and family violence.
Recipients will receive $5000 towards professional development, including opportunities such as attending the National Men’s Health Gathering, along with mentoring sessions with Mr Lancaster.
Mr Sutherland said the launch of the scholarship ensured Mr Lancaster’s legacy would continue to shape future leaders.
“Graham Lancaster represents the very best of this region — service, integrity and generosity without ego,” he said.
“He has supported HIM from its earliest days, and this scholarship ensures his example continues to inspire the next generation of young leaders in men’s health and violence prevention.
“Importantly, it provides practical support — not just recognition — to young people who are stepping up to make a difference.”
Mr Lancaster, who has been a supporter of numerous Illawarra causes for decades, is fighting a well-documented health battle, yet continues to embody the resilience, humility and community spirit that have defined his contribution to the region.
“For me, this scholarship is about growing and developing the next generation of leaders to care for this community,” Mr Lancaster said.
“Leadership isn’t about titles or recognition.
“It’s about service — encouraging others to ask the right questions and find their own answers.
“If we can help young people step forward with that mindset, then we are investing in something far bigger than ourselves.”
Applications for the scholarship will open in the coming weeks via the Healthier Illawarra Men website, with the inaugural recipient to be announced mid-2026.
Mr Sutherland said HIM also had plans to expand its partnership with Tomorrow Man across the Illawarra this year.
In 2025, more than 1500 young men participated in Tomorrow Man’s Breaking The Man Code workshops thanks to HIM and major supporting partner The Shellharbour Club.
The two-hour workshops provide a safe space for young men to explore gender stereotypes, emotional resilience, mental wellbeing and healthy relationships through guided discussion and interactive activities.
“The conversations happening in those workshops are powerful,” Mr Sutherland said.
“Young men want to talk. They want to understand themselves better. And they want to be part of positive cultural change.”
Illawarra sporting, community or educational organisations who would like to access funding for the young men in their ranks can contact HIM via its website or [email protected]
