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Brothers are making a difference

Babana is an Aboriginal word meaning “brother.” It is also the name of an Aboriginal men’s group formed in March 2006 to provide men with opportunities to network, discuss issues affecting local men, meet with other Aboriginal men’s groups and work on projects that benefit the local Redfern-Waterloo community reports Andrew Collis in the South Sydney Herald of March 2007.

Babana projects in 2006 included a NAIDOC Week harbour boat trip, representations to City of Sydney and Leichhardt Councils including an appropriate acknowledgement to Aboriginal people in the Hyde Park upgrade, volunteering at community events and concerts, a No Drugs on the Block campaign, and talking with Redfern Police about improving Community–Police relations. The first meeting for 2007 was held on 15 February at the Barnardos Office on Redfern Street (a temporary venue). I was welcomed as a visitor, and made to feel welcome. There were about 35 men present, including guests from a group in western Sydney (and a delegation from France!). We sat around a big table out the back of the building – in the fresh air – for about three hours. The time passed quickly.

Discussion included opposition to the needle exchange caravan so close to kids’ play areas on the Block, desire to establish Babana as a legally incorporated body, and need for improved men’s services to ensure quality of life, mental health, stability for families.

Pastor Ray Minniecon (Crossroads Aboriginal Ministry) spoke about a commemoration to honour service-men and women on Anzac Day. The Aboriginal Diggers Recognition project (building on a similar event in 2006) will comprise an Anzac Day march from the Block to St Saviour’s Anglican Church. The meeting heard that a bronze monument to Indigenous members of the Armed Forces who helped defend the country in two world wars, is in the making. It also heard that an Honour Roll (long overdue) of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Diggers is being compiled.

The meeting voted unanimously to support Pastor Minniecon’s project, and to encourage its more than 70 members to get involved.

Coinciding with the project, Reg Lynch is curating a group exhibition called ‘The Coloured Digger’ at the Damien Minton Gallery in Great Buckingham Street, from April 17–May 5.

One of the most lengthy discussions centred on a strategic planning document entitled ‘Babana: Directions 2007.’  All those present offered responses to the paper. There was a real feeling of excitement, even urgency. It was impressive.

One youth work volunteer said, “I’m here because I’m inspired by these guys!” Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer with Redfern Police, Kalmain Williams, said, “It’s about getting blokes together for a yarn – the young guys and the Elders.”

Mark Spinks, who works as Indigenous Community Officer at Centrelink, was full of encouragement and enthusiasm for Babana – for what the group was achieving, and for what it can still achieve. He praised men for their special gifts and contributions, and for their commitment. “This group is growing,” he said, “because you’re serious about being here and caring about the community.”

“What we really need now,” he added, “is our own place – our own meeting place.” This is something all the men agree on. They’d love their own “shed” for outdoor meetings, for business – a place to meet and talk. They hope it happens soon.

If the meeting I attended is any indication, it won’t be long.        For more information about Babana contact Mark Spinks on 0411 282 917.

Source: South Sydney Herald March 2007