The Gathering

The Gathering is a weekend event for men of all ages run by the Centre for Men and Families Australia. A lot has been said about toxic masculinity and the damage it does in our society. The Gathering is a celebration of healthy masculinity where men can be equipped to be part of the solution, not part of the problem. 

Whether you are new to the CFMF community, or a regular face, there will be something for you. The Gathering will include electives and workshops to help you navigate the beauty and pain of life as a man, along with plenty of time to relax, unwind and connect. 

Keynote Speaker for 2025: Jarrod McKenna 

Jarrod McKenna is an award-winning peace activist, and community organiser whose life and work reflect a deep commitment to nonviolence, justice, and compassion. Drawing inspiration from contemplative traditions, the Peace Church movements, the Catholic Worker ethos, and the prophetic Black Church tradition, Jarrod has worked alongside marginalized communities, including those who are unhoused, imprisoned, detained, or seeking refuge.

His advocacy for human rights and climate justice has been featured by international outlets such as the BBC, Al-Jazeera, and The Guardian, and his grassroots efforts have inspired transformative movements like “Love Makes A Way,” Australia’s largest faith-based nonviolent civil disobedience initiative. As a pastor in Melbourne and Perth, and co-host of the InVerse Podcast with Dr. Drew Hart, Jarrod continues to challenge and inspire others to reimagine contemplation and action in the pursuit of justice.

Jarrod lives on Wadjuk Noongar land in Perth, Australia, with his wife Kat and their five sons, who are his greatest teachers.

Richard Rohr has said of Jarrod McKenna, “It’s amazing that we should need to tell people that Jesus taught and surely lived a nonviolent life. And almost as amazing—and wonderful—that Jarrod McKenna should be able to teach it so well in our time and culture.”

The Gathering 2025 

Cost: 

Early Bird $395 (closes 5th April 2025)

Full Price: $455 (closes 19th May 2025)

Day Passes: $300 (closes 19th May 2025)

Date: 30th May – 1st June 2024 – Arrival 4-5pm Friday and Depart 2pm Sunday 

Venue: The Outlook, 4001 Ipswich Boonah Rd, Boonah QLD

All meals, accommodation, bedding and all sessions are included in the cost.

Payment Options: Full amount can be paid by Credit, Debit Card or Direct Debit. To secure your place without playing the full amount immediately a $100 deposit can be made by choosing Direct Debit at checkout, then transfer $100 to the listed account.

Can’t come for the whole weekend? Come for a day instead!

We have a number of options for men that may only be able to attend one day, or live local and would prefer to sleep at home. Click the buttons below to register. 

Come along for the full Saturday which includes all meals and full Saturday program

Come along for Sunday which includes breakfast and lunch, and Sunday program (event wraps up at 2pm)

Attend the whole event and sleep at home which includes all meals and full program Friday-Sunday

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us: admin@cfma.org.au

Traveling from Interstate?

A free private bus will collect any participants from Brisbane Airport on Friday 17th May and return on Sunday 19th May. Please indicate that you will require this service once you register.