Gamarada – men of earth

“I thought this sort of stuff was not for me and was sceptical at first. However, I enjoyed the program, learnt lots and realise how what we are trying to create together has the ability to assist people with a lot of their own self-healing and to take control back of their lives and emotions,” says Shane Phillips, CEO Tribal Warrior Association and Gamarada graduate.

The idea was inspired by Shane’s passion for doing something new and positive in the community. Shane, Ken Zulumovski, David Beaumont and Mark Carroll decided that it was important to attempt to use ancient holistic principles and Aboriginal culture and spiritual values to create a strong men’s self-healing space. David Leha joined with Nathan Leslie and camera-man Mark Taylor. The training program was completed in December 2007.

The program is currently running each Monday night at the Community Centre Redfern, from 5.30 to 8.30pm. Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal men are welcome to join any time, after they agree to abide by the men’s group agreement and complete a nomination form.

“I have been interested in looking at different ways that we can work on building emotional and inner strength. We as a community have created this program and everyone who attends takes an ownership of it and can join in the great feeling that we all receive as a result of attending,” says Ken Zulumovski, worker in the field of Aboriginal mental health and social and emotional well-being for 10 years.

Principles and techniques such as breathing and relaxation, anger management and cultural healing techniques are used. Compassion, honour, community service and increased awareness are explored. This is being constantly enhanced by a strong Aboriginal perspective, influence and now ownership of the program.

“Inspired by Shane, we thought it was time to try and bring some men together, to share ownership and wisdom and to create a healing space focusing more on the here and now and where people want to go, to help begin a detoxification process not only of the body and mind but perhaps even the spirit,” says Mark Carroll.

David Leha who performs as Radical Son and conducts Gamarada anger management and healing sessions is paid for his healing skills by the Government. He says, “For many years now, from a background of anger, prison, violence and my own pain, I have learnt to open my mind and to take in things which can help me with my own healing. Gamarada has inspired and given me many new skills which I am now using to support others in their own healing.”

There are various Aboriginal men’s groups and programs in the community now. Some of these are Walking Together Aboriginal program for people on probation or parole,  Babana (www.treocom.net/babana/) which provides a powerhouse of men’s and community events and is chaired by Mark Spinks (note: all current Gamarada leaders are Babana members) and now Gamarada. All of these programs are complementary and have their own distinctive way of supporting Aboriginal men.

We are open to the community supporting Gamarada. You can email us on gamarada07@yahoo.com. Or you can email Ken on  kenzulumovski@yahoo.com.au or David on  dbeaumont@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au for some more info about the program or look at our web page www.treocom.net/gamarada/.