Red Dusts Strong Young Men and Boys Program continues to create impact through connection and consistency
When the Strong Young Men and Boys Program first delivered an on country camp earlier this year which brought together men from Nauiyu and Tiwi Islands it was apparent the connections made between the two communities was the beginning of a new brotherhood. The fellas came back together in October and once again proved those relationships built from the last program had been cemented in the months beforehand.
The last trip was instrumental in building trust which allowed for difficult conversations, particularly around men's mental health, to be had in ways that saw vulnerability matched with safety.
Healthy plates of tucker they can get locally using the Picture products plate template
Enjoying turtle
Students had a series of interactive games where they practiced kindness and lifting each other's spirits. The HLP team provided spaces for creativity which resulted in creating friendship bracelets to gift to someone who has been kind, who has helped, or who has listened to a friend. To go with the bracelets the team also made student awards and distributed them out which was a beautiful moment of recognition for all their work across the week.
This program saw one of the highest rates of school attendance across the entire year, with more and more students coming to school to be a part of the program. An incredible achievment of the program, the teachers and the community coming together to celebrate health and wellbeing in Minjilang.
“The kids engaged really well and more and more kids kept coming to school because Red Dust had people working that had family connections”
- SYMB Program Coordinator
One of the programs missions is to build connections, open up safe spaces for conversations and to showcase the important role men play within their own families and communities, that's why it is vital that these programs continue to exist, and men have the chance to get out on country which is a healing environment. The impact is undeniable and something that is so vital in the Nations mission to close the gap of health disparity between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Australians. Bringing together the two communities is something we hope to continue doing into the future, so men can continue to feel proud and connected to their country while sharing their unique cultures with one another.
“The hunting and yarning was so energizing”
- Emma, School Teacher
Together, we can strengthen the wellbeing of our communities. Your contribution helps Red Dust Role Models deliver life-changing health, wellbeing, and cultural programs. If you’re able, please consider making a donation today—every gift creates real impact. Click below to donate today!