Gamarada – stronger, better

Gamarada, or “comrades” in the Gadigal language, is much more than a free voluntary self-help program; in fact to classify it thus would underestimate the enormity of its influence. A combination of Aboriginal and Eastern methods of self-healing, it enables boys and men to join as brothers in mutual support of one another, as they seek to make positive changes in their lives.

Graduate of the program, David Leha, is perhaps its most well known public advocate. His now frequent use of self-reflective techniques such as Dadirri enable him to control his energy in a positive way. But now a younger generation is taking its place in the community.

Ten-year-old Muurruunyaneahl has been attending since last year with his dad and three cousins, and is surprisingly perspicacious for his age. He perceives Gamarada as a support mechanism to keep him from antisocial behaviour. “There are lots of people my age who go around swearing and drinking all the time, hurting women and taking drugs. There are needles all over the place and kids can just pick them up. Gamarada can be good for young people, because it helps them grow up to be strong men,” says Muurruunyaneahl. “Last week we learnt about a thing called the heart level and that this should only be full of positive things. We hear about love, caring and lots of stuff.” Pausing thoughtfully, he adds, “Gamarada is about making me grow to be a man, a good strong warrior, who doesn’t go around hurting women and taking drugs. And when I say warrior I mean another brother who stands his ground, not just today but for life.”

For the past two years, 15-year-old Harold has benefited immensely from Gamarada’s healing and anger management sessions. Not only learning to be more self-controlled, but also developing a confidence he never thought he would, has kept the South Coast-based teenager attending on a weekly basis. “I would like to come here for a few more years. These men, we are brothers. We can help each other change our ways,” says Harold. Though initially extremely shy, Harold found after a few weeks that Gamarada’s usual practise of making each man share his name and his story was a way for him to meet new people that he may not have had the courage to speak to. He is now hopeful he can one day resume his job as a mechanic, one that he was unable to keep due to his behaviour.

The sessions, which include creative demonstrations like tonight’s Aikido presentation, have become an integral part of Harold’s healing process. “Coming here inspires me to make me stronger. There aren’t that many really young people, but it is really good to come along. Just to come for one night. Just to come for one hour. When you are in the room with us, you’re a Gamarada brother.”

For more info on Gamarada’s program, contact Director Ken Zulumovski on kzulumovski@piac.asn.au or 0433 346 645. Alternatively, visit http://www.gamarada.org.au .

Photo: Courtesy of Ken Zulumovski - Gamarada

Source: South Sydney Herald May 2010 www.southsydneyherald.com.au