Over the past year, GEGAC has taken decisive, deliberate steps to bring more Aboriginal men back into the fold—strengthening cultural connection, rebuilding trust, and creating culturally safe spaces where blakmen feel supported, seen, and heard.
This work directly aligns with GEGAC’s Strategic Plan commitment to improving social and emotional well-being, enhancing community engagement, and embedding cultural models of care. It’s not just about encouraging men to access health services—it’s about walking alongside them on their journey, fostering community, and honouring cultural identity.
Spearheaded by our Quaranook Engagement Officer Scott King and championed by GEGAC leadership, our revitalised Men’s Group has created opportunities for connection, healing, and cultural strength. Through regular yarning circles, on-country fishing trips, and cultural excursions, we are reconnecting our men with each other, with culture, and with purpose.
Last Thursday marked a significant milestone: our inaugural Bruthas Day Out, hosted at Lucknow Footy Club, drew more than 80 Aboriginal men across the region. It was a day of yarning, learning, listening, and sharing hope for the future—a true demonstration of our vision of a strong, connected, thriving community.
The success of the day was thanks to the strength of our partnerships. From the incredible effort of the Wulgunggo Ngalu Learning Place men travelling from Yarram to the teams that rallied around us from:
- Hope Centre at Odyssey
- Yoowinna Wurnalung Aboriginal Healing Service
- Department of Justice and Community Safety
- Koori Court
- Aboriginal Housing Victoria
- Lakes Entrance Aboriginal Health Service
- The Orange Door
- Wellways
We also extend heartfelt thanks to our presenters: Lionel Dukakis from First Nations Traffic Management, Highway Patrol Officer Ash Bowden, Sheriff’s Aboriginal Liaison Officer Danielle Lowe, and Steve Tong from Latrobe Community Health.
Scott King reflected, “We’ve made a real effort over the past six months to create a positive and welcoming space for blakfellas. Bruthas Day Out was something we had all been looking forward to for ages.”
Deputy CEO Joshua Tuiono added: “Bruthas Day Out shows what’s possible when we lead with culture and community. This is about more than a single event—it’s about healing, empowering our men, and making GEGAC a place where blakfellas feel they belong. We are committed to building on this momentum and making this movement stronger with each step.”
These initiatives are not one-off events—they are part of a deeper movement at GEGAC to implement place-based, culturally informed programs that honour the strength and potential of our people. They support our Strategic goal of building a resilient, inclusive, culturally grounded Aboriginal community.