Kimberley Aboriginal men take charge of health and wellbeing at groundbreaking gathering

A new initiative delivered by the Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Service is empowering Aboriginal men to take charge of their health and wellbeing while staying connected to culture. The Kimberley Regional Aboriginal Men’s Health Gathering brought together more than 40 men each day to discuss key health and wellbeing issues, including alcohol and other drugs, family and domestic violence and chronic disease at Djarindjin Campground. Participants engaged in workshops over three days of discussion, focusing on high-priority issues identified by Aboriginal men with the gathering concluding on September 12. The workshops will contribute to the development of the Kimberley Aboriginal Men’s Health Strategy, which aims to build an Aboriginal male health workforce, ensure all Aboriginal men in the Kimberley have access to annual health checks and establish safe spaces for men, such as men’s sheds, in remote communities. The gathering was facilitated by Gooniyandi and Gajerrong man Scott Wilson, who brings a wealth of experience across various fields including social emotional wellbeing, education and health. He is also the co-founder of the “Indigiverse”, the first Aboriginal superhero universe in comics which has been resoundingly successful since its launch. Mr Wilson said the gathering was not just about discussing health issues but about empowering Aboriginal men to take charge of their own health and wellbeing while staying connected to culture. “By working together, we can create strong, culturally safe spaces and pathways for our men to thrive, now and into the future,” Mr Wilson said. Kimberley Aboriginal Men’s Health Sub-Committee Chair William Hunter said the gathering was a powerful opportunity for Aboriginal men to come together and develop strategies to improve men’s health across the Kimberley. “We are proud of the work achieved here and look forward to seeing the positive outcomes,” he said.