FINDING BROTHERHOOD IN THE BUSH: MEN RECONNECT THROUGH MUSIC, NATURE AND FRIENDSHIP
By Lynnese O’Donoghue | 14 October 2026
For men struggling with isolation, finding a place where they can talk openly, build friendships and feel supported can make a powerful difference.
That's the message emerging from EleMENtal Rhythms, a men's gathering in Western Australia's South West that is bringing men of different ages and backgrounds together through music, movement, storytelling and time in nature.
Held over three days in September in the forests surrounding Wellington Dam, this year's gathering welcomed 50 men, with organisers reporting growing interest in the event.
Speaking with Lynnese O'Donoghue on Ngaarda Radio, organisers Paddy Hocking and Mick Englert shared how the gathering has developed since its beginnings in 2024.
But it was the experience of participant and previous Iremagudu (Roebourne) resident, Johno Leahy that revealed just how meaningful the weekend could be.
Brothers of the EleMENtal Rhythms on their camp trip, a men's gathering in Western Australia's South West. Photo Credit: EleMENtal Rhythms
STEPPING OUT OF ISOLATION
Having spent much of his working life in construction and mining from living in the Pilbara, Johno said he had reached a point where he wanted to broaden his friendships and connect with people outside his usual social circle.
"I was going through a period of time, Lynnese, where I felt isolated. I didn't feel like I had a huge community of connection that I really wanted to have," he said.
"I really wanted to stretch myself a little bit and step out of my comfort zone and connect with people outside of my normal sphere."
Arriving at the camp on Friday afternoon, Johno admitted he wasn't sure what to expect.
But the welcome he received quickly put him at ease.
"Everyone was just so welcoming and so warm. Like I just walked in there and it was just cruisey," he said.
He compared the atmosphere to his experiences spending time with people in Iremagudu (Roebourne), where conversations around a campfire and sharing stories had left a lasting impression on him.
A DIFFERENT APPROACH TO MEN'S WELLBEING
EleMENtal Rhythms was established in 2024 by Paddy Hocking, Mick Englert and their fellow organiser Rahman, who wanted to offer something different from more traditional men's retreats.
Paddy, who has worked in outdoor education for around 25 years, said the aim was to create a more playful, nature-based experience where men could spend time together without the pressures of everyday life.
"The core idea with Elemental Rhythms is it's the fusion of music and dance as well as nature connection practices," he explained.
The camp includes drumming circles, dancing, yoga, qigong, swimming, landcare activities and opportunities for men to sit together and share their experiences.
For Mick, who has spent more than a decade involved in men's programs and camps, a major focus is challenging the isolation many men experience.
"We're looking to build community. We're looking at building connection and we're looking to start to transform this narrative we have around men and isolation, shutting themselves away when things get hard," he said.
He said bringing together men from different generations and backgrounds helped create an environment where participants felt comfortable being themselves.
FINDING FREEDOM AROUND THE FIRE
For Johno, one of the most memorable parts of the gathering was an evening of drumming and dancing around the campfire.
As the rhythms built and men began moving together, he said the experience helped break down personal barriers.
"It gave guys the tenacity to break down their ego," he said.
Waking up to a beautiful morning after a night of yarning, dancing and connecting on the EleMENtal Rhythms Mens Camp. Photo Credit: EleMENtal Rhythms
"I just felt like at home."
Johno also recalled sitting around the fire listening to other men share experiences of hardship, loss and personal challenges.
He said the absence of judgement made it easier to speak openly.
"We realised that we were in a safe place. We didn't have to be fake," he said.
Sitting around the fire sharing music, listening to drums and connecting on the EleMENtal Rhythms Mens Camp. Photo Credit: EleMENtal Rhythms
"I felt like I could just let go and just be real."
The experience reminded him of his time in Roebourne, where he had spent evenings out bush sharing conversations and stories with local people.
"We were sitting around people with no judgement. There was just real fair dinkum blokes going through hardships," Johno said.
Hiking, Land Care and Connecting on the EleMENtal Rhythms Mens Camp. Photo Credit: EleMENtal Rhythms
"We could actually sit down and be in a place where we could unite around each other and support each other."
GROWING DEMAND FOR CONNECTION
Now in its third year, EleMENtal Rhythms has grown from around 30 participants at its first gathering to 50 this year.
Paddy said the September event sold out three weeks in advance, with additional men wanting to attend.
The gathering also brings together different generations, with past participants ranging from 18-year-olds through to men in their 70s.
For organisers, one of the most powerful moments came during a landcare project, when participants worked together to remove unwanted trees and build a chicken coop.
Paddy described watching men carry timber through the forest, sharing conversations and laughter as they worked side by side.
"It was a picture of community with these guys just working together," he said.
"This is actually what we were dreaming into, and here it is."
Mick said seeing 50 men dancing freely during one of the movement sessions was another highlight.
"The men can dance and they dance beautifully and they dance with passion," he said.
Around the fire, camping out in nature under the stars, where else would you want to be? One of the beautiful nights shared on the EleMENtal Rhythms Mens Camp. Photo Credit: EleMENtal Rhythms
SUPPORT THAT CONTINUES BEYOND THE CAMP
One of the most important parts of EleMENtal Rhythms happens before participants return home.
On the final day, men are encouraged to reflect on their experiences and identify something they want to change or strengthen in their everyday lives.
Others in the group then offer to support them in achieving those goals.
For Johno, that moment became particularly emotional.
He spoke openly about the impact of losing his father to cancer and how the experience had left him fearful of losing people close to him.
He made a commitment to overcome that fear by developing stronger friendships and becoming more involved in men's groups.
When he shared his intentions, other participants offered their support.
"Men just raised their hand and said, 'Yep, Johno, we're going to support you in that,'" he recalled.
Since returning home, Johno says the friendships have continued through a WhatsApp group and regular contact with organisers and fellow participants.
"It's just so loving and caring," he said.
Paddy explained that participants also have access to monthly online gatherings where they can reconnect, reflect and continue supporting each other.
EleMENtal Rhythms, Raman (Bottom Left Corner), Mick Englert (Bottom Right Corner), Paddy Hocking (Top Right Corner) welcomes you to join them and follow them on facebook when the next camp out is, hopefully you can join this brotherhood too. Photo Credit: EleMENtal Rhythms
A MESSAGE TO MEN FEELING ALONE
Johno hopes his experience encourages other men to take the first step towards building stronger friendships, whether through a gathering like Elemental Rhythms or simply reaching out to someone in their own community.
He said it doesn't always require attending an organised camp.
"The best thing I could encourage these men to do is to get around their elders, their communities, and you don't have to go to a group like I've done to build a solid network," he said.
He encouraged men to spend time together, get outdoors, share stories and make an effort to check in on one another.
"Making just little steps even, and connecting with someone that you know and making an effort to sit down with them and share with them," he said.
"How are you going? Are you OK? ... Pause and listen."
For Johno, what began as a decision to step outside his comfort zone has become an opportunity to form lasting friendships and find a renewed sense of belonging.
And for the organisers, those experiences are exactly why EleMENtal Rhythms was created.