News

Koori men's group kicking goals

Wed, 23 Apr 2014 10:55:00

A successful Aboriginal “men’s business” group established in Mildura is being used as a model for similar groups in South Australia and Victoria.

The Sunraysia Aboriginal Men’s Support Alliance (SAMSA) was formed late last year and focusses on addressing local community issues by providing a mechanism for mutual support for Koori men.
The group was the idea of Mallee District Aboriginal Services’ Koori Offenders Program co-ordinator Brendan Johnson.
“A lot of the men we were dealing with through MDAS programs seemed to be really looking for opportunities to get support from other men,” Brendan said.
“The experience since we formed the group in December, has been phenomenal,” he said.
“From the very first meeting we’ve had terrific response not only in terms of attendance numbers at our fortnightly get-togethers, but also in what the men are able to offer to each other.”
An average of 25 men attend the SAMSA’s fortnightly barbecues which often also include a health presentation, screening or testing iniative.  The group has now also formalised a partnership with Centacare to deliver a five-week physical and emotional health and wellbeing program.
SAMSA chairman Wayne Clarke is another of the drivers behind the group.
“It’s really about empowering our blokes to take charge of their lives – that was our aim, and that is definitely what we are noticing is happening,” Wayne said.
“Our philosophy is positive – it’s basically ‘show respect to earn respect’.  It’s about helping each other to help ourselves.
“The group’s proving to be a good way for men to share their experiences and problems and what they’re going through – and the men know what’s said at SAMSA stays here.”
“We’re getting new men coming along every fortnight to our meetings, so the word is getting out there in the community that it’s a really positive group and experience.”
SAMSA has had approaches from other Aboriginal communities in Victoria and South Australia about the best model for setting up similar groups in their local areas.
“We’ve told them that from our experience it’s been a great initiative for everyone involved and it’s bringing about positive changes in our community,” Brendan said.
“It’s providing a really great opportunity for Aboriginal men to share their good habits, ideas, stories and life skills.”
The group plans regular social and recreational events such as fishing nights and a highlight has been securing 20 tickets for the AFL ‘Dreamtime at the G’ match between Essendon and Richmond on May 31. 
“We’re also going to the Marngrook Footy Show at NITV and visiting the Victorian Koorie Heritage Trust so it’ll be a fantastic weekend – there’s pretty hot competition to get a guernsey for the bus!”