The Outback Mind Foundation (TOMF) is a grass roots health promotion charity focused on empowering regional men to take a proactive approach to looking after their mental health. We work towards educating men to improve mental health outcomes and to also reduce risk of men committing acts of domestic and family violence.
Volunteer-led Advocacy to Not-for-Profit Organisation
THE OUTBACK MIND FOUNDATION
The foundation began simply as a volunteer-led advocacy group called “Outback Mind “ back in 2019.
The founder, Aaron Schultz, had spent two decades spent managing large teams of men in the construction, mining and manufacturing industries, as well as a decade working in the health system. Aaron saw a huge unmet preventative need in the workplace - something he resonated with due to poor self awareness which had led him to to burnout, depression, anxiety and an unhealthy lifestyle.
He was seeing the same thing in other regional men - poor mental health and holding on to stuck emotions. Through his experiences, Aaron knew that what these men needed was education and space to learn to express their emotions, not simply suppress them.
The Outback Mind Foundation is helping change that.
Through supporting regional communities, The Outback Mind Foundation now strives to help Australian men overcome life’s challenges, develop practical ways to become emotionally aware, and to take a proactive approach to their mental health. Our vision is to improve the emotional literacy of more regional men to help them live calm, conscious and connected lives.
Men’s Mental Health in Regional Australia
The Outback Mind Foundation is at the forefront of creating awareness of the importance of prevention in rural and regional communities. We take a proactive approach, providing education, awareness and prevention programs to communities, workplaces, clubs, and teams (on-site and online), as well as holding community information forums, breakfasts, and events. You can find out more about our current programs and offerings below.
Our Services
MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
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The Outback Mind Foundation is growing our network of circles throughout regional Australia, with Men’s Circles on offer in Roma, Boyne Tannum, Toowoomba, Gladstone and more. If you are interested in becoming a facilitator to your community, please reach out to discuss more. If you’d like to join a Circle, check out all of our upcoming dates below.
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In partnership with ELMA Education, The Outback Mind Foundation offers neuroscience-backed emotional literacy programs to regional and rural communities across Australia, where mental health support is often scarce. Through this partnership, we’re planting seeds of emotional strength where they’re needed most - fostering connection, compassion, and confidence from the inside out.
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We offer educational sessions in male-dominated workplaces to help reduce the risk of men participating in acts of Domestic and Family Violence, and to get ahead of the DV problem regional Australian’s are currently facing. Our sessions aim to help men understand and embrace their emotions, develop better self-awareness, and to learn skills to self-regulate.
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Through our Outback Corporate Mental Healh Events, we work proactively with progressive organisations that genuinely care about their people and want to improve the mental health outcomes in their communities. Providing transformational mental health education and experience, we’re having a real impact on workplaces across Australia.
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Our documentaries are showcases of life that every man needs to see. Book an emotional literacy education session with The Outback Mind Foundation and we’ll include a private documentary screening for your workplace or club.
Advocate for Mental Health Change
Like many Not-for-Profits, The Outback Mind Foundation relies on the kindness of others supporting our cause. Every donation makes an impact and helps us to advocate, educate, and provide more places for conscious connection for regional Australians.
You can make a tax-deductible donation - as a once-off or on an ongoing monthly basis - directly through our website, or if you’d like to host a fundraiser in your community, get in touch with Aaron to discuss your ideas today.
WHAT’S COMING UP
Join us for one of our upcoming wellness events, from Men’s Circles and Men’s Meditation Retreats, to Documentary Screenings and Community Fundraisers.
Support your own health & well-being, learn some new skills to help you switch off and slow down, and support men’s mental health in regional Australia.
Events & Retreats
Your Wellness Toolbox
We believe in being proactive rather than reactive.
So we’ve put together a WELLNESS TOOLBOX that you can use whenever you need to. It’s our collection of resources, information, tools, and strategies that can help you keep on top of your mental and physical health. We’re constantly adding new finds to the toolbox, so make sure you visit it regularly.
Watch the Trailer
Award-winning director Stuart McKay, in partnership with The Outback Mind Foundation, brings you When the Dust Settles, a raw and visually striking documentary that journeys deep into the heart of rural Australia to confront the often unseen realities of men’s mental health. Through powerful storytelling and cinematic imagery, the film explores themes of isolation, resilience, and the quiet strength it takes to keep going. As dust hangs in the air and silence stretches across open landscapes, a deeper conversation emerges—one that challenges stigma, embraces vulnerability, and lights the path toward hope and connection.
MAKE A REAL IMPACT IN YOUR WORKPLACE
Join the Conversation
At The Outback Mind Foundation, we know the impact that a workplace can have on an employee’s mental health. That is why we work with progressive organisations that genuinely care about their people and want to improve the mental health outcomes in the communities in which they operate.
Through our Outback Mental Health Corporate Events, we offer organisations the opportunity to provide transformational mental health education and experiences that captivate and engage employees.
Be part of the solution that’s making a real change in organisations across Australia. Join us today.
Real conversations. Practical tools. No fluff.
The Outback Mind Podcast
The Outback Mind Foundation hosts a regular podcast featuring empowered wellbeing conversations for everyday Australians. Here you’ll find conversations, tools, and real stories designed to support men to live healthier, more connected lives. Because better mental health starts with awareness, education, and community.
Visit our Podbean, Spotify, or iTunes channels for the entire library of Outback Mind Podcasts, or listen to our latest episode here. You can also find then all on our Youtube channel.
STEP FORWARD. SHOW YOUR SUPPORT.
Help Us to Help Others
There are a number of ways that you can help The Outback Mind Foundation make a greater impact on the lives of Australian men.
Whether you are an individual looking to do your part to help, or a business wanting to drive meaningful change in your organisation and in your community, there is a way that you can help us make lasting change.
Donate or Fundraise
The Outback Mind Foundation has big plans to support men’s mental health and well-being throughout regional Australia, but to bring those plans to life, we rely on the generous support of individuals - through donations and fundraising events.
Once-off or monthly.
Become a Sponsor
Our sponsorship program plays a vital role in helping us to sustain our mission as it enables us to offer life-changing resources in regional communities. With three levels available, it is designed to suit a range of businesses, budgets, and contributions.
12-month commitment.
Become a Partner
By partnering with The Outback Mind Foundation, your business can seize a unique opportunity to drive meaningful change in domestic violence prevention across regional communities. Create a positive ripple effect in your workplace and community today.
Three year commitment.
Contact
Contact The Outback Mind with any questions regarding donations, sponsorship opportunities and partnership tiers.
Email
support@outbackmind.org.au