A World at War with Itself · Julie Finch-Scally

Charities

·21 min·1 clip

Julie Finch-Scali opens the conversation by welcoming Michael Batanali, chairperson of the Canberra charity Men's Link. He explains that the organisation has been running for almost 25 years. Its focus is boys and young men between 10 and 25. The charity provides wellbeing services including counselling, school connections, mentoring, and related education programs. Julie asks whether similar organisations exist elsewhere. Michael says Men's Link has taken part in national collaborations where people share ideas about work with men and boys. He notes that there are overlapping programs in other parts of Australia, but says there is no direct duplication of what Men's Link does specifically. He also says the organisation is open to sharing ideas and supporting comparable work. The discussion moves to resources. Michael says about 70 percent of the charity's support comes from the community. That makes local giving central to what Men's Link can do. Julie asks about major donors, and Michael says the support is really a mix of philanthropic members of the community and other charitable people who want to contribute, including people who give quietly and without publicity. Some supporters prefer to stay out of the spotlight. They give because mentoring once made a difference in their own lives, and they want to pay that forward. The host and guest also talk about the growing practice of giving while still alive. Michael calls it giving with a warm hand rather than waiting for bequests. That kind of donation lets people see the effect of their money now, which is especially valuable for local charities. The conversation also touches on the scale of community fundraising. Michael describes people running events, including golf days, and raising substantial amounts over a short period. A relatively small group can make a meaningful difference. That helps explain why fundraising is not a side issue but part of the organisation's continuity. Julie then suggests that charities can save governments money by helping prevent larger problems later. Michael responds by broadening the point: not every young person they support is in trouble. Some are simply unhappy or struggling with low self-esteem. In his view, moving someone from a negative self-view to a positive one can change their trajectory in life. The episode closes with a clear case for practical charity, local backing, and sustained support for Men's Link.

As heard by us

A grounded look at how local giving turns into practical support for young men and boys.

A World at War With Itself treats charities as a practical civic matter, with Men's Link as the example. Julie Finch-Scali keeps the focus on what the charity actually does: counselling, school links, mentoring, and education programs for young men and boys aged 10 to 25.

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Why you'd press play

If you want a grounded look at a Canberra charity supporting young men and boys, start here.

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