Our Programs...

Who are our programs for?

Our programs may benefit a wide range of individuals, including

• - Members of the Stolen Generations and their families
• - Young people who have experienced abuse or family violence
• - People involved in the criminal justice system
• - People with drug, alcohol and gambling use issues

However this not an exhaustive list and any who are willing are welcome to participate.

Gamarada Men’s Program

The Gamarada Men’s program runs over 10 weekly sessions. Throughout the program, participants learn how to deal with their energy, emotions and reactions. They will be empowered to break damaging patterns of behavior, and to achieve positive goals. Practical techniques and life skills are key components of the program including stress/anger management and skills for building respectful relationships. Traditional Aboriginal methods and spirituality are central to the process of learning, development and self-healing throughout the program.

A general outline of what will be covered during the sessions…

·         - Introduction

·         - Physical level

·         - Lower emotional and action level

·         - Dadirri and deep relaxation and awareness session

·         - Stronger emotional and action level

·         - Heart Level

·         - Community members open night

·         - Workshopping the program – going deeper

·         - Summary and conclusion

Please email Ken (ken.z@gamarada.org.au) for further information or to express your interest in this program.

Two day Gamarada Healing and Life Skills Workshop  

This program was developed more recently as a two-day transportable package for delivery in rural NSW and other regions of Australia. It is a self-healing and life skills development program that uses Aboriginal knowledge and methods to empower participants. The program utilizes group work to teach participants practical skills such as stress management, relaxation, breathing and visualization. Awareness is explored using Indigenous Spiritual practices such as ‘Dadirri’ (deep listening, quiet stillness and awareness). Anger management and emotional control (non-reaction techniques) are also focal points which are reinforced through practical application.  The picture below was taken at the Wagga Wagga program.

This program can be run for community members or for leaders/professionals working in Aboriginal communities.

Please email Ken (ken.z@gamarada.org.au) for further information or to express interest in these workshops.

Anger management and self-healing

This is a single session (and possible follow up) for graduates of the Gamarada Men’s Program. It has been developed so that graduates can learn to run their own programs in the community (and charge their own fees for this). The session mixes Aboriginal healing with cultural material, and incorporates Eastern methods that focus on relaxation, cleansing and awareness.

The session is a comprehensive presentation drawing from the Gamarada 10 week program. It includes practice exercises and practical techniques to work through anger and help with self-healing. Techniques are drawn from Aboriginal culture, Buddhism, Yoga, as well as the work of Dr Elizabeth Kubler-Ross and Professor Judy Atkinson.

Components covered in the session are…

·         - Introduction

·         - Pre-course quiz

·         - Exploring anger

·         - Cultural reasons for anger with Aboriginal people

·         - Am I angry?

·         - Early warning signs

·         - Suppressing anger

·         - Working with anger

·         - Sharing ways of dealing with anger

·         - Role plays

·         - Dadirri

·         - Revision and summary

 Please email David Leha (david@radicalson.com) for further information or to express interest in this session.

 Biyanga Naminma

Biyanga Naminma is a program to encourage dads’, Uncles, male carers and mentors to value and encourage the education of their children. The program aims to empower participants and their families by building knowledge and strengths; as well as facilitating better understanding, communication and relationships between parents and schools.

Benefits of the program include promoting the image of Aboriginal fathers as leaders and mentors, improving educational outcomes for children, building better relationships with schools, supporting and reinforcing children’s learning at home. Through this program fathers can contribute more to their children, and reach their full potential. The Biyanga Naminma program may also be an opportunity for men to tell their own stories, and connect them to employment, health services, education and support. 

Biyanga Naminma is currently inviting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander fathers, carers and mentors to be part of an arts based project which aims to help children be prepared for the future, and to excel in whatever they choose to pursue.

The program is running at from 5:30-8:30pm on Monday Nights at the Redfern Community Centre (corner of Hugo and Caroline Streets).  

For more information please contact Ken (ken.z@gamarada.org.au, 0433 346 645) or John Ogden (0419 659 470)