The initiative, which started a year ago today in Goulburn, simply gives men the opportunity to go for a walk and discuss anything on their mind in an open and supportive environment.

"We started off with four men on that first walk, and today we had 14 who attended," Strickland said.

"Through the year we've had up to 20 in attendance. In that year, we've dealt with bushfires and COVID."

The group celebrated its first anniversary during its weekly walk this morning, which welcomed Inspector Matt Hinton as a guest.

After just one year, the impact of the group is already being felt by many of its members.

"Post-COVID we're back in full swing, and one thing that's been a highlight has been when men come forward and say 'It's helped me address things I need to address'," Strickland said.

"We had blokes look within and realise there might be a need for professional support, and that's come from talking to the men in the group."

With no set agenda or plan during each week's outing, Strickland said the beauty of the Men's Walk lies in its casual nature.

"We start at six in the morning, and it's pitch black," he said. "Quite often you don't look at the people you talk to, it's about having a conversation along the way.

"There's no agenda, we're just supporting each other. We know there have been men in our group who have gone through really dark times.

"It's not about blokes who have mental health issues, this is just about having a yarn with other blokes. This is not about people in need, it's just about coming together.

"I think that's a real highlight for me, and something that I see such great value in the Man Walk."

From humble beginnings in Kiama two years ago, the Man Walk is now spread across Australia, and even has footings in Canada and the U.K.

Its popularity, Strickland said, is due to the stereotypical image of traditional 'men'.

"In the past it's been a sign of weakness for blokes to speak up," he said. "During these walks, we've connected and had the opportunity to talk about things.

"We have things going on in our life and have been affected by work, and they're having conversations that they might not find themselves having during the day.

"This is not something you can bottle or measure, it's just about blokes helping other blokes and providing that sense of connection."

The Goulburn Man Walk takes place at 6am every Tuesday, beginning from Marsden Weir carpark in "rain, hail, or shine" Strickland said.

Did you know the Goulburn Post is now offering breaking news alerts and a weekly email newsletter? Keep up-to-date with all the local news: sign up here.