23 Jul 2025
On Wednesday June 18, around 80 boys from Ulladulla High stepped into The MUSTER Yard - a two-hour event all about honest conversation, real stories, and what it actually means to grow into a good man. Things kicked off with a powerful Acknowledgment of Country from Miribi Bunbal leaders Chase Stewart and Riley Gleeson Morris. Then we heard from Natalee Johnston - a retired Navy helicopter pilot, business owner and local councillor. Natalee shared what it was like working in a male-dominated world and why respect for women starts with the choices we make every day. The core of the event was a Q&A-style panel session featuring six incredible guests: Simon Kinch, Chris Coffey, Adam Gowen, Brad Parsons, Matthew Williams and Darren Higgins. Drawing from their unique life stories, the panel covered what it means to move from boyhood to manhood, the power of male and female role models, calling out bad behaviour and what advice they’d give their 14-year-old selves if they had the chance. Session two dove even deeper. The group explored topics like real strength, the myth of “hardening up”, emotional wellbeing, accountability, respect for women, and the difference between taking smart risks and dumb ones. The day wrapped up with a feed in the Aboriginal Garden with Uncle John Field. The MUSTER Yard was more than just a school event - it was a reminder that becoming a man is not about being tough; it’s about being real. A big thanks to everyone who showed up and opened up.