ME
N’S
BUSH
S P I TR
GOLDFIELDS 2023
Stephen Morrison Aboriginal Cultural Practice and Capability Manager Hello my name is Stephen. I’m a Noongar on my Mother’s side (Morrison) with connections to Katanning, Woods from my Father’s side, who raised me, both from the South West of WA, and Gooniyandi (Hawke/Cox) on my Father’s side, with connections to Fitzroy Crossing and Halls Creek, Kimberley Region WA. My wife and I have been married for 16 years, have 4 children and have been living in and around Kalgoorlie and Esperance for around 21 years.
Men’s Bush Trips started in March 2021 as a way of connecting with men and yarning about issues that are important to blokes in a relaxed bush environment. Since then, the word has got out that it’s worth going along to Men’s Bush Trips - to light a fire, cook some food, go for a wander, have a laugh, learn helpful things for life and build support for each other. This book shares some photos of the Men’s Bush Trip journey in 2023 ... what we got up to, what we talked about, the steps Goldfields men have taken towards wellbeing and health and information about the services provided by Mara Pirni Healing Place, Hope Community Services and other organisations in the Goldfields. Warning, this book may contain images and names of men who have passed away.
“Family and domestic violence (FDV) brings fear to our families and takes opportunity away from them. Our approach for this Men’s Bush Trip is that we can do the opposite; bring peace to situations of trouble and arguments and create opportunity for our families, all directly from the choices we make and what we say. Not all men that attend our Bush Trips are involved in FDV, but all of them have come together, to build a good support network for men in our community.”
Tjioe Ardiyanto Justice & Community Manager “Greetings! I’m Tjioe Ardiyanto, a proud Teochew-Hakka-Indonesian man and a dedicated Social Worker with a postgraduate degree in Social Work. Currently, I hold the position of Justice and Community Manager at Hope Community Services in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. My commitment to community wellbeing extends to my involvement in the Men’s Cultural Bush Trip program. This unique initiative embodies my passion for fostering cultural connections and promoting positive experiences for men. Through my role in social work and personal dedication, I aim to contribute to a supportive and enriching environment for all participants. Join me on this transformative journey as we explore the cultural richness of the Australian bush and build connections that last a lifetime.”
Trevor Johns Men’s Services Support Worker, Goldfields North Hi my name is Trevor Johns. I am a Gubrun/ Noongar man from Kalgoorlie. I have been with HOPE for 5 years now and I enjoy running the bush trips with Steve and Calvin and helping the men of our community. It is always good seeing new faces, meeting new people and hearing different stories. It’s also good to be doing the program out on country, sitting around a fire, having something to eat while offering support and guidance or just pointing them in the right direction to access the support they need in our community. I am looking forward to seeing the Men’s Bush Trip get bigger and better next year.
Hon. Kyle McGinn MLC Member for Mining and Pastoral Region Hi, I am Kyle McGinn a State Legislative Council Member of Parliament for the Mining and Pastoral Region, and my office is located at the heart of Kalgoorlie-Boulder. Having lived in remote and regional Western Australia for most of my life I understand the challenges and barriers in seeking support services and knowing what help is available, or where to look to when you need it. Prior to being elected to Parliament I was a second-generation seafarer and a cook by trade. Working in the offshore oil and gas industry, month on month off, meant a lot of isolation and time alone with my thoughts. It was only through connecting with other people going through the same situation and maintaining positive relationships with friends and family that I was able to sustain a positive mental health balance. Maintaining good mental health is a crucial part of staying well and it is local organisations like Hope Community Services and Mara Pirni Healing Place that do a fantastic job by raising awareness and creating situations for men to get together to have a yarn in a welcoming and safe space. The Men’s Bush Trips initiative is to be applauded for bringing men from all walks of life together, getting back to Country and putting men in touch with a service or support they may not have been aware is available to them otherwise. Your local Member for Kalgoorlie, Ali Kent MLA and I are both conscious that breaking the scourge of family and domestic violence, reducing the incidence of alcohol and other drug related harm in the community is a major priority for the Goldfields and we are very proud to support local organisations to achieve this. This mob strike the right balance between taking the opportunity to get out of the city, back onto Country and focus on individual mental health and more broadly community mental health together around a campfire. I commend all organisations and individuals involved in a successful year of Men’s Bush Trips in 2023 and look forward to supporting more trips in 2024.
Kasimu Kiwanuka AOD Diversion Officer Greetings, I am Kasimu Kiwanuka, a Muganda man from the Buganda kingdom in Uganda. I spent my formative years in Uganda before relocating to Australia in 2011. Over the past 12 years, I’ve been dedicated to working in remote regions of Western Australia, collaborating with diverse individuals to enhance their lives. I’ve worked in both the Pilbara and the Goldfields regions. Since 2015, my wife and I have called Kalgoorlie our home. Together, we’ve been blessed with three daughters. In my experience, family domestic violence not only brings physical harm to households but also gives rise to severe mental health issues like trauma, depression, and anxiety. Domestic violence not only effects those directly involved but also affects the individual but also greatly impacts the children, extended family members, and the broader community. Through my involvement with Hope Community Service, I’ve been driven to discover methods to reduce recidivism among our clients. The Men’s Bush Trip Program aims to extend support to those recently released from prison, the Court system and other men within the community. The Men’s Bush Trip Program provides a space for men to reflect on their roles, behaviours, and choices within the family unit and the broader community. It offers a platform for men to grasp the significance of their contributions and the weight of their responsibilities.
Murray Jackamarra YJS Coordinator Hey everyone, my name is Murray Jackamarra. I’m a Gubrun/Noongar man from Kalgoorlie with family connections to the Midwest southern Yamitji, the Pilbara Nyamal/Palyku/Nyiyaparlli, and Bunjima groups. I have been with Hope Community since 2019 and am currently the Coordinator for the Youth Justice Bail Services Goldfields and Community Mentoring Programs. The Community Mentoring Program currently run another on-country bush trips and other activities for youth aged between 12 to 17, who are at risk of reoffending or being incarcerated. The on-country bush trips and other activities for youth offer a chance for our young people to take a break from the worries and stress at home or in the community, and just relax and enjoy themselves. Joining in on the Men’s bush trips gives me a chance to connect with country and the community. It’s very informative and provides an opportunity and a safe space for community members to talk about struggles they might be currently facing and share how they overcame those struggles with others. It’s great to see that the men who join these bush trips take home what they have learned and share or use that information within their family and community.
Mara Pirni Mara Pirni Healing Centre is a safe place supporting families to live free from violence. Centrally located, Mara Pirni provides a range of services for women, children, families, friends and victims of Family and Domestic Violence in the Goldfields North Region. If you need help, Mara Pirni are here for you and promise we will listen to you, believe you, and help you get the help you need. Mara Pirni is operated by Hope Community Services alongside specialist service providers Ngunytju Tjitji Pirni Aboriginal Corporation, One Tree Community Services, Wanslea Family Services and Aboriginal Legal Service WA. Mara Pirni brings together a number of leading Family and Domestic Violence services in one place where we can work together to help victims access the services they need. These include:
Hope Community Services For over 100 years Hope Community Services has brought hope to thousands of people and communities facing the toughest challenges in Western Australia. From our beginnings pioneering alcohol support, today the challenges we tackle include Alcohol and Drug Support, Mental Health, Family and Domestic Violence, Justice and Bail Services, Youth Accommodation and Suicide Prevention. We have over 150 dedicated staff and 70 volunteers delivering services and supporting marginalised people within communities as far north as Kununurra, as far south as Esperance and as far inland as Kalgoorlie, Leonora and Meekatharra. We believe delivering hope requires a community-led approach, a collaborative mindset, and the dedication to walk with our clients wherever it takes us, for however long we are needed, supporting them to successfully and meaningfully participate in life.
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Advocacy and safety planning Family support and early childhood services Creche Legal services Men’s healing services Cultural healing service Groups and activities
Our services are culturally safe and welcoming of all backgrounds, ethnicities, religions and sexualities.
SUPPORT LINES Strong Spirit Strong Mind Strong Spirit Strong Mind promotes the uniqueness of Aboriginal culture as a central strength in guiding efforts to manage and reduce alcohol and other drug related harm in Aboriginal communities. Social and emotional wellbeing refers to your physical wellbeing and also the social, emotional and cultural wellbeing of the whole community. It recognises the importance of connection to land, culture, spirituality, ancestry, family and community. It is really important that we take care of ourselves so we can look after our families and communities. Think about some things that you can do that help you to relax, improve your wellbeing or may help reduce your stress. Yarn about your wellbeing…. If you are thinking about improving your mental health, you might need some further support or information. Sometimes people don’t get help because they feel shame talking about their wellbeing. This can be a difficult time, but your family, friends and other people in your community can help you. You can also speak to your local doctor, a psychologist or counsellor or another health professional. Find out more about Strong Spirit Strong Mind at https://strongspiritstrongmind.com.au/
Mara Pirni Healing Place Hope Community Services Men’s DV Helpline MensLine DV Assist Alcohol & Drug Support Line Parent & Family Drug Support Line Meth Helpline Quitline (Smoking) 13YARN (ATSI Crisis Support) Lifeline RuralLink Beyond Blue Suicide Call Back Crisis Care The Samaritans Crisis Line Bega Freecall Health Direct Centrecare Kalgoorlie-Boulder For Support Guides in your area please scan the QR code:
Leonora
6001 7037 9021 3069 1800 000 599 1300 789 978 1800 080 083 1800 198 024 1800 653 203 1800 874 878 13 78 48 13 92 76 13 11 14 1800 552 002 1300 224 636 1300 659 467 1800 199 008 1800 198 313 1800 037 037 1800 022 222 9080 0333 Laverton
Esperance
BURRA ROCK 8 February 2023 Topic: Family Domestic Violence Hope Community Services
FOR MORE INFO ... Mara Pirni Healing Place (HOPE) 6001 7037 Yorgum Healing Services 1800 469 371 Goldfields Rehabilitation Service 9021 4732 Men’s DV Helpline 1800 000 599 MensLine 1300 789 978 DV Assist 1800 080 083 (Monday-Friday 10am to 7pm)
WENDY GULLY 1 March 2023 Topic: Men’s Supports in Community Trevor Johns Hope Community Services
Call 1300 78 99 78
FOR MORE INFO ... Kalgoorlie Health Campus 9080 5888 GF Community Mental Health 9088 6200 Goldfields Rehabilitation Service 9021 4732 13YARN (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders Crisis Support) 13 92 76 Lifeline 13 11 14 RuralLink 1800 552 002 Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 Suicide Call Back 1300 659 467
It’s good to be around other men and to hear that we all go through some of the same things and it’s not just me ...
KURNA LPIPINJIN ROA D 22 March 2023 Topic: 5 Senses Mindfulness Tjioe Ardiyanto, Hope Community Services
FOR MORE INFO ... Kalgoorlie Health Campus GF Community Mental Health Step Up/Step Down Life Without Barriers EPIC Centrecare Bega Social Support Unit HOPE GCADS
9080 5888 9088 6200 6323 8987 9092 2900 9185 0000 9080 0333 9022 5500 9021 3069
ROWLES LAGOON 12 April 2023 Topic: Suicide Aftercare Tim Ayam, Suicide After Care Support
FOR MORE INFO ... Goldfields Community Legal Centre (GCLC) 9021 1888 Aboriginal Legal Service 9021 3666 Aboriginal Family Legal Services 9021 0244 Legal Aid WA (Kalgoorlie Office) 9025 1300
BOONDI ROCK 3 May 2023 Topic: Suicide Prevention, talked about the ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) and SafeTalk workshops. Stephen Morrison, Hope Community Services.
CAVE HILL 24 May 2023 Topic: Effects of your words on your family. Emotional Safety. Tjioe Ardiyanto, Hope Community Services and Tim Ayam, Stand By After Care Support
FIRE BREA K 14 June 2023 Topic: Men’s Health Check Up and Supports Rural Men’s Health Initiative Raising awareness of men’s wellbeing and health in regional WA.
WENDY GULLY 5 July 2023 Topic: NAIDOC Theme, “For Our Elders” Stephen Morrison, Hope Community Services
FOR MORE INFO ... HOPE GCADS 9021 3069 GRSI 9021 4732 Bega Social Support Unit 9022 5500 Bega Tobacco Action Team 9022 5500 Alcohol & Drug Support Line 1800 198 024 Parent & Family Drug Support Line 1800 653 203
The group is very important. We need more men getting together more often to support each other ... men are often left out of the picture.
BP LA KE A ND RED HILL 26 July 2023 Topic: Circle of Suppor t Kasimu Kiwanuka, Hope Community Services
LA KE GWYNN 16 August 2023 Topic: Anger and Fear Kasimu Kiwanuka and Tjioe Ardiyanto, Hope Community Services
FOR MORE INFO ... HOPE GCADS 9037 7661 GRSI 9021 4732 Bega Tobacco Action Team (Monthly) 9022 5500 Laverton Hospital 9088 2600 HOPE ITC 9037 7661
BURRA ROCK 6 September 2023 Topic: What does wellness look like to you? Stephen Morrison, Hope Community Services
Call 13 11 14
FOR MORE INFO ... GRSI 9021 4732 Goldfields Land and Sea Council Rangers 9022 2339
FIRE BREA K 27 September 2023 Johnathon Thomas, Community Person, shared his story and encouraged Men to find support.
FOR MORE INFO ... HOPE GCADS GRSI Bega Social Support Unit Bega Tobacco Action Team Meth Helpline Quitline (Smoking)
9021 3069 9021 4732 9022 5500 9022 5500 1800 874 878 13 78 48
BOONDI ROCK 18 October 2023 Topic: Community Legal Education Session Dylan Lyneham from Aboriginal Family Violence Legal Service
LA KE DOUGLAS 8 November 2023 Topic: Suicide Prevention and Movember Phillip Donaldson - Community Liaison Office (Suicide Prevention) | SEWB Services from Bega Garnbirringu Health Service www.bega.org.au or freecall 1800 037 037. Stephen from Hope Community Services.
AWARD WINNING TRIPS WA LLAROO ROCK 29 November 2023 Topic: 16 Days in WA events “Stopping violence against women” Stephen Morrison
The Men’s Bush Trips was named the winner of the Partnership Award at the 2023 Strong Spirit, Strong Mind Aboriginal Alcohol and Other Drug Awards at the WANADA Conference (WA Network of Alcohol and Other Drug Agencies) in May this year. Our ‘Good Way’ program was also nominated for the Innovative and Culturally Responsive Aboriginal Alcohol and Other Drugs Program Award.
Thanks to all the support organisations and contributors to the Men’s Bush Trips.
Government of Western Australia Mental Health Commission
GOLDFIELDS
For more information about Men’s Bush Trips or anything else you’d like to chat about, please call 9021 3069.
STEPHEN MORRISON
stephen.morrison@hopecs.org.au
TREVOR JOHNS
trevor.johns@hopecs.org.au
TJIOE ARDIYANTO
tjioe.ardiyanto@hopecs.org.au
MURRAY JACKAMARRA
murray.jackamarra@hopecs.org.au
hopecommunityservices.org.au