Red Dust Role Models | Strong Young Men and Boys Program

Working together to achieve community goals and aspirations

We tailor each program through community consultation. Elders and stakeholders co-design delivery length, location, staffing and cost.

We partner with:

Men and boys — including those currently disengaged from school, work or services — to reconnect with Culture, identity and aspirations.
Elders, Senior Custodians and local leaders who guide cultural safety and co‑facilitate intergenerational learning.
Communities seeking strengths‑based, culturally grounded wellbeing using yarning and shared narrative.
Schools, services and community partners committed to co‑design and culturally safe practice.

What this program delivers for young Men and Boys

We bring men and boys together to learn from Elders, share stories in yarning circles, and strengthen identity, belonging and responsibility to self, family, community and Country. Through culturally safe yarning circles, on‑Country learning, and hands‑on activities, participants reconnect to Culture and build the skills, confidence and support networks to thrive. The program blends cultural health and healing with leadership development to grow sustainable local leadership.

What this program delivers for community

When we work with communities to support their priorities, we see progress to a range of outcomes they seek, including:

Employment, training and integrated pathways
Leadership, advocacy and self‑determination
Cultural immersion and integration; strengthened identity and belonging
Exposure to new ideas and new life experiences
Support networks; Train‑the‑Trainer capacity building
Advancement in career pathways; community industry development.

Warren Williams

Yuendumu Senior Elder

Thank you Red Dust, we had a great trip. We need to find a way to get more ‘young fellas’ out on Country.

SYMB

Program Coordinator

Getting away from the Community where drugs alcohol and family obligations are constant. Replaced by all the spiritual benefits that come with being on country with like minded men hunting and yarning lights the lads up mentally and Physically

Alan Palmer

Program Manager

The fact that mums, dads and their children are now working to make a change in their communities as business owners and service providers means that their ideas, passion, dreams and hard work will pay off for them in far more ways than before. It has been a real blessing to see and we still have much more to do!