Babana: source of strength

At the June meeting held in the offices of the Aboriginal Housing Company on the Block, discussion ranged from planning to connect with similar groups throughout the State, to collaborating with an Aboriginal documentary film-maker; from marking NAIDOC week in July, to building partnerships with the Redfern-Waterloo Authority, the Benevolent Society, and Care Connect, Redfern; from leading a celebration for the World’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day at the Sydney Town Hall on 13 August, to helping with a jobs expo at the University of Western Sydney.

There was also talk of a joint Babana-DoCS educational workshop on family violence; men taking time to care for their own health; the need of support for fathers, and the role of fathers in handing on traditions that promote respect and self-respect; and the value of maintaining practical and positive relationships with local police.

Members reported with pride laying a wreath on behalf of Aboriginal diggers at the Pool of Reflection at the war memorial in Hyde Park.

In and through all the talk there was a strong spirit of determination. An orientation toward a future where Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities might share resources for living justly and in peace. There is patience and good humour, again and again – and everyone is given a chance to speak, actually encouraged to speak.

In a context of focus on problems in Aboriginal communities – serious problems, yes, and having to do with real despondency and frustration at paternalistic attitudes and policies – we might well acknowledge the energy and the ideas generated within groups like Babana. We might well acknowledge the healing that occurs there. We might well acknowledge that the greatest source of strength for Aboriginal people is hopeful Aboriginal people. And we might well support them in whatever way we can. Upcoming Babana events www.treocom.net/babana/ or contact Mark Spinks on 9243 3546.

Photo: Andrew Collis Caption: The Babana meeting at Redfern in June

Source: South Sydney Herald July 2007 http://www.southsydneyherald.com.au/