We believe that seeking support isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength. REPOWER exists because too many men are struggling in silence, and traditional approaches don’t always meet them where they are.
Our Mission
Why We Exist
The mental health landscape for Australian men, particularly veterans and first responders, demands a different approach. The statistics are stark: 43% of Australian men will experience a mental disorder in their lifetime. Despite this, barriers to seeking help continue to exist. Stigma, cost, accessibility, and a feeling that services don’t understand their experiences prevent many from getting support.
For veterans, the transition from service to civilian life presents unique challenges. Skills that were essential in the field don’t always translate. The sense of purpose and camaraderie can disappear overnight. And the mental health impacts of service don’t simply vanish after completing or leaving full duties.
First responders face similar struggles. The cumulative toll of witnessing trauma, combined with shift work, high-stress environments, and a culture that often discourages vulnerability, creates a perfect storm for mental health challenges.
REPOWER was created to bridge this gap. An initiative of Yellowdove Australia, we combine what works – physical activity, education, and community – into programs that feel accessible, practical, and relevant. We seek to help men develop the tools and networks they need to thrive with evidence-based support that is delivered in a way that resonates.
Our Approach
More Than Talk Therapy
Research consistently shows that men respond well to action-oriented mental health support. Exercise has proven benefits for depression and anxiety. Education empowers individuals with practical skills. And community means real connection with others who understand. It offers a space built for men to openly share their stories, experiences, and vulnerabilities safely. These elements all supply the foundation for lasting change.
REPOWER integrates all three:
Recover
Physical Training
Designed not just for fitness, but for mental health outcomes. Movement as medicine
Rebuild
Expert Education
Practical tools. Sleep strategies. Stress management. Communication skills. Things you can use immediately.
Reconnect
Community Connection
Goes beyond the program. You’re not a patient here. You’re part of a group of men who are actively investing in their wellbeing.
Our programs are delivered by facilitators who understand service culture, who speak your language, and who create an environment where it’s safe to be honest about how you’re really doing.
Our Team
Scott Fisher
Scott founded REPOWER because he believes all men deserve better access to mental health support. As an exercise physiologist, he’s spent over a decade helping his patients navigate chronic pain, serious illness, and life transitions. Through this work he began to notice a consistent pattern, men were struggling but often traditional mental health services weren’t resonating with them.
The issue became particularly clear working with veterans and first responders. These men had spent years in high-stakes environments, serving their communities, yet found themselves isolated and hesitant to reach out when they needed support. But the challenge wasn’t unique to them, it reflected a broader problem with how we approach men’s mental health in Australia.
The idea for REPOWER grew from these conversations. Scott recognised that movement, practical tools, and being around other men working on the same challenges could provide an effective alternative method of support to traditional clinical settings. As Director of Yellowdove Australia, Scott established REPOWER as an initiative specifically designed to address this gap. While the program has a specific focus on supporting veterans and first responders through transition, it’s built for all men who want a more action-oriented approach to their wellbeing.
Scott holds a Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology and Bachelor of Science (Exercise Science) from the University of Wollongong. Since 2012, he’s worked within multidisciplinary teams at private hospitals and medical practices, specialising in exercise-based treatment for chronic conditions including lower back pain, diabetes, cardiac rehabilitation, and cancer management. He’s lectured on Exercise and Diabetes at the University of Technology Sydney and delivered recovery workshops for elite and national sporting teams.
When he’s not working with REPOWER participants or in his clinical practice, you’ll find Scott on patrol with his local surf lifesaving club or in the water.
Ryan Chapman
As Director of Yellowdove Australia, Ryan is committed to building programs in underserved communities across Australia. From leading the revival of an abandoned recreational centre in remote Western Australia to securing hundreds of thousands in funding for youth programs that actually work.
The common thread in all Ryan’s work is creating spaces where people feel they belong. In remote Aboriginal communities, in emergency response settings, and now with REPOWER, he’s focused on one question: how do we remove barriers and build sustainable support that meets people where they are?
Men’s mental health became a clear priority through Yellowdove’s broader community work. Ryan recognized that veterans and first responders—and men generally—often don’t connect with traditional mental health services. REPOWER applies the same community-led, trauma-informed approach that’s worked in his other initiatives: co-design with the people you’re serving, prioritise connection over intervention, and build something sustainable.
With a Master’s in Education focused on trauma-informed practice and nearly two decades of on-the-ground experience, Ryan brings both strategic thinking and practical know-how to REPOWER. He’s also the author of “The Adventures of Henny,” an Australian children’s book about emotional resilience—because good mental health work starts with creating awareness early.
Ryan believes in the power of community to heal and grow. REPOWER is his commitment to creating that space for men.