URGENT UPDATE: Australian teenager Rhys Heinrich has just returned from Geneva, where he represented Australia at the World Health Organization (WHO) during a pivotal conference as part of the Movember Youth Action Council (Mo-YAC). The conference, held from November 14 to November 17, 2025, focused on critical issues surrounding men’s mental health.
The 11th-grade student from Central Yorke School was selected on short notice for this prestigious opportunity. “It was very short notice,” Rhys stated, recalling how he prepared his presentation just hours before the deadline. “I wrote the presentation on the way home from the YP Field Days and recorded my video that night because the deadline was the next day.”
Incredibly, Rhys was one of only nine candidates across Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom who applied for this unique chance to voice crucial mental health issues facing young men today. His passion for addressing these topics is evident. “I feel it is important to voice the issue of men’s mental health on Yorke Peninsula and in South Australia,” he emphasized.
During his time at the WHO headquarters, Rhys experienced an inspiring environment, notably standing in the executive board room where historic decisions, including the eradication of smallpox and responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, were made. “It was really a theatrical experience,” he shared, highlighting the significance of being in such a pivotal location.
Rhys also drew inspiration from a speech by Grant Stevens, South Australia’s Commissioner of Police, at a recent mental health fundraiser. The Commissioner’s personal story about coping with the tragic loss of his son resonated deeply with Rhys. “Hearing his story and how he managed after the death of his son was really inspiring,” he said. “There is always a sense to be stoic and suppress feelings, and the goal is to challenge those traditional norms.”
This opportunity not only elevates Rhys’s advocacy for men’s mental health but also underscores the importance of youth involvement in global discussions about health. His remarkable journey to Geneva is a testament to the impact young voices can have in addressing pressing issues.
As Rhys returns to Yorke Peninsula, he plans to leverage this experience to further his advocacy efforts. “I hope to continue the conversation on mental health and make a difference in my community,” he concluded.
Stay tuned for more updates on Rhys’s initiatives and the ongoing efforts to promote mental health awareness.
