Gamarada is offering a
free two-day Aboriginal men’s healing and life skills program on 29 March and
30 March 2011 in Wagga Wagga.
The healing and life
skills program is a grassroots initiative developed by Aboriginal men
in Redfern. It builds leadership skills and promotes healing, mentoring, good health and positive living.
‘The Gamarada program
is an example of Aboriginal communities recognising the need for men to take
control of their own lives,’ says PIAC’s Indigenous Men’s Access to Justice Worker, and Gamarada leader, Ken Zulumovski (pictured left, with Gamarada participants).
‘Gamarada empowers
communities disrupted by the negative effects of past government policy. The program has
a unique approach to working with complex needs and it complements the
healing and empowerment services that are starting to become part of government
policy and planning.’
In 2010, the NSW
Premier acknowledged Gamarada for its achievement in building leadership within
Aboriginal communities. More than 200 men and youth have attended the
program since 2007, with graduates going on to develop men’s healing programs
in other communities.
Testimonies from Gamarada
participants are available on the Gamarada
website.
There are 35 places
available for the two-day program. Please RSVP by emailing names and contact
details to Ken Zulumovski.
Prior to the two-day
course, Gamarada will host an information session in Wagga Wagga on 22 March 2011.
Community members and service providers are invited to attend this information
session to hear how participation in the Gamarada program benefits local
communities.
The Gamarada
information session is open to everyone.
‘We encourage local police officers, DOCS representatives, people from
employment and education services, representatives from the Department of
Juvenile Justice, local MPs, Wagga Wagga City Councilors and media to attend,’ Mr Zulumovski says.
Where: The public information session and the two-day Gamarada program and will
be held at the Gannambarra Function Centre 32 Chaston Street, Wagga Wagga.
Time: The public information session on 22 March starts at 6pm and finishes
at 7.30pm. Tea, coffee and light snacks provided.
The two-day Gamarada
program on 29 & 30 March starts at 8.45am and finishes at 5pm. It is fully
catered.
The Public Interest Advocacy Centre and
Gamarada Indigenous Healing and Life Training Ltd support this initiative.
Contact Ken Zulumovski for more information.