The Gamarada Men’s Healing and Life Skills Program has won a NSW Premier’s Award for leadership in Aboriginal communities.
The NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Paul Lynch, announced the winners of the 2010 awards this week. Mr Lynch said the awards recognised the tireless effort of Aboriginal people in New South Wales in building stronger communities.
Gamarda was recognised for its work in building community leadership.
‘Gamarada Men’s Healing and Life Skills Program, in Redfern, is realising the recommendations made in the Bringing them home report, and recognising that emotional healing, practical support and legal information are the best ways to break the cycle between Aboriginal men and the criminal justice system. About 200 men and boys have participated in Gamarada’s program,’ said the award citation.
The Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) supports Gamarada through its Mental Health Legal Services Project.
PIAC’s Indigenous Men’s Access to Justice Worker, Ken Zulumovski, is a Gamarada leader. Pictured are Gamarada members and supporters, with Mr Zulumovski (front left).
Other Premier’s Award winners include the Link-Up (NSW) Aboriginal Corporation’s Family Link Service; the Griffith Wiradjuri Aboriginal Pre-School; and the Deadly Sista Girlz.