Huu Duc Trinh, known affectionately as Uncle Duc in his community, was an astute businessman in Vietnam who migrated to Australia to be present among his family.
As a new resident in Australia, Uncle Duc faced the universal challenges of migration —adapting to a new language, finding a sense of belonging, and rediscovering his cultural identity in a foreign land.
Trading business suits for brotherhood, his participation in the Sons of the West marked a pivotal chapter in his life, offering not just an opportunity to learn, but to forge deep, cross-cultural connections.
"The program is a melting pot of cultures, allowing us to connect on a deeper level, share our stories, and learn from each other," he explained.
Sons of the West, a health and wellbeing initiative, is renowned for its inclusive approach, bringing together men from diverse backgrounds to learn about health and wellbeing in a supportive environment.
"Whatever you want to do in your life, you need good health, but good health requires learning and training appropriate for your age,” he said.
“Sons of the West taught me the foundation to train my body appropriately, highlighting what to embrace and what to avoid."
This holistic approach to health and wellbeing, coupled with the supportive network of peers, reinforced his belief in the program’s value to the community.
Uncle Duc’s journey with Sons of the West is more than a personal triumph; it's a beacon of encouragement for others in the community to participate and benefit from the program’s offerings.
He passionately advocates for the program, urging others to join and experience the myriad benefits it offers, from learning about worker rights to understanding how to care for one's body and health.
Reflecting on his time with Sons of the West, Uncle Duc fondly recalls the good memories, experiences, and the sense of support and camaraderie that flourished among participants.
His story is a testament to the program's power to transform lives, build communities, and foster a deep sense of unity and purpose among its members.
“If there is anyone in the community who hasn’t done the program before, I highly encourage you to register and join,” he said.
“It’s a very beneficial program that teaches you a lot about health and wellbeing.”
Sons of the West is open to all men over 18 across West Melbourne and Victoria with a dedicated Vietnamese language cohort set to run in West Footscray.
