Authentic, honest & open. Proud & passionate

A beautiful blend of youth & experience

Supported by a loving community of Men & Women

Co-FOUNDERS

Brett Ellenport

Father. Son. Identical twin. Brother. Uncle. Partner. Friend. Creative Director. Producer. Photographer. Filmmaker. Storyteller. Traveller. Journeyman. Mentor. Facilitator. Jack of all trades. Master of none.

Brett has spent 25+ years jet setting around the corporate world. Working alongside CEO’s & Senior Executives, helping them access the heart of these organisations through powerful strategic-creative delivery. Enabling them to engage, connect & unite more deeply with their people. He advises on strategic communication including brand, voice, messaging, leadership, story-telling, cultural change & transformation.

A Co-Founder of Gathering Men, he’s passionate about life and the transformative power of men’s work. Brett, Andrew & Yarra Spirit Dog are pictured here at home on beautiful Djaara - Dja-Dja-Wurrung country. The top ridge at tanderrum by the Grand Mother Tree. Lalgambook on the horizon. A place of deep peace, calm & connection. Of many sunsets, moonrises, comfortable silences & simple gratitude.

andrew mcsweeney

Husband, Father, Songman, Musician, Mentor and Founder of Living Learning Australia. Andrew loves his wife and children and is passionate about his music, practicing Qigong, the natural environment, his community, his cricket club & sitting around a fire in the bush with other good men. Helping them share, shift, transform & find their true connection

First Nations - special guests

uncle edward alfred Egan-lovett

‘Uncle Ted’ as he is affectionately known is a proud Gunditjmara - Djabwurrung Elder. Amongst his many awards, he has been honoured with an OAM for his extensive service to the indigenous community & a Centenary Medal for services to the Ballarat Aboriginal community

‘Uncle Ted’ is a gifted sportsman playing in the VFL with Fitzroy back in 1963. He finished that year at North Ballarat winning the first of two Henderson Medals, the other coming in 1965

‘Uncle Ted’ is a highly respected Aboriginal Elder and a man of great wisdom, integrity & dignity. He is pictured here on his Grannies Djabwurrung Country. On the edge of Lake Muirhead early one spring morning on the 2015 Eel Healing walk

Will austin

Will is a proud Peek Woorroong Keerraay Woorrong First Nations Man who wears multiple hats in a professional and community context. He is currently the Senior First Nations Manager at Ylab Global, where he collaborates with young First Nations people to embed their voices into complex social solutions. Will is the Founding CEO of Yarn Bark and in 2021 become the Founding Dircetor of Australian Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Charity, Turn to Me.

An experienced facilitator, Will prides himself on holding authentic spaces that promote deep and meaningful connection. He is a values driven young man who draws inspiration from his fathers experience as a member of the Stolen Generations, to revive cultural knowledge and practices for all people to embrace and celebrate.

Will is one of few First Nations Community Members in Victoria, who over the past 6+ years has allocated significant energy into the revitalisation of traditional practice of traditional craft and artifact making. Will is pictured here in ceremony at ‘tanderrum’.

Uncle RICK nelson

Proud Djaara - Dja-Dja-Wurrung, Elder Uncle Rick Nelson is a cultural advisor for the community on a wide range of matters. His father, the late Uncle Brien Nelson, remains a significant figure in the Dja-Dja-Wurrung community. Uncle Rick is a direct descendent of Henry ‘Harmony’ Nelson, who is an apical Elder of the Dja Dja Wurrung. Amongst other responsibilities, he coordinates a variety of Men’s Business within the community out on Country. Uncle is pictured at ‘tanderrum’ receiving a set of traditional clap sticks from proud Keerray Wurrung, Peek Wurrung man Will Austin.