As men arrived, there was an immediate sense of familiarity. Voices were recognised. Faces that had previously appeared in small Zoom windows suddenly became real people standing in front of us. The conversations started quickly and carried on throughout the weekend.

The retreat was attended by Kitchen Hands from across Australia, along with The Men’s Table founder David Pointon, newly appointed Table Program Operations Lead Luke Ogden, and Michael Collins, whose work was central to the creation and development of the Kitchen Hand program. I was also fortunate to attend in my role as coordinator of the Kitchen Hand volunteer team, a position that has given me the opportunity to work alongside and learn from this remarkable group of men.

The retreat included Mental Health First Aid training, discussions about supporting Tables and opportunities to think about the future of the Kitchen Hand program. Those sessions were valuable and generated plenty of ideas, but it was the time around the fire each evening that stayed with me most.

Each afternoon, wood was gathered and the fire prepared. What began as a practical task soon became a place where men could slow down, share stories and enjoy each other’s company.

As the fire settled into a bed of glowing coals, the conversations seemed to deepen. With Mother’s Day approaching, many of us reflected on the women who had shaped our lives, alongside conversations about family, personal challenges, and the things that mattered most to us.

At one point we found ourselves reflecting on how many generations of men before us must have gathered around fires just as we were doing. Sharing stories. Passing on lessons. Finding comfort in the company of other men.

What struck me most was the honesty of the conversations. We came from different states, different backgrounds and different Tables, yet we shared a common foundation through The Men’s Table. The Fundamentals created a level of trust that allowed conversations to move quickly beyond small talk and into the things that really matter. By the end of the retreat, I felt like I knew these men in a much fuller way than I ever could have through a screen.

Another highlight came during an exercise on the second day where we were asked to consider the future needs of not only the Kitchen Hand program, but The Men’s Table more broadly. I was struck by the willingness and passion of the 16 Kitchen Hands involved. There were many different perspectives in the room, yet the discussion remained respectful, constructive and thoughtful throughout. Men listened carefully, built on ideas and focused on practical solutions. The result was a range of suggestions that will help shape both the Kitchen Hand program and The Men’s Table itself.

As we packed up and headed home, many of us seemed to share a similar feeling. We had arrived as volunteers connected by a common purpose. We left with stronger connections, a deeper appreciation for one another, and a renewed commitment to the men we serve.

The training was valuable and the planning important, but perhaps the greatest benefit was simply spending time together. The retreat provided an opportunity to recognise the contribution of our Kitchen Hands and strengthen the bonds that help us support Tables across the country. The Men’s Table would not be what it is without these volunteers, and bringing them together was a fitting reminder of the community they help create.

~ Ben Moffatt
Table Care Coordinator