GEGAC has plans to develop a Men’s Place in Bairnsdale, which will be a hub for cultural and social support programs, hands-on workshops and cultural artefact making, music sessions, and a private place for yarning and support group gatherings.
We believe the Men’s Place will be a beacon of hope and empowerment for men in the community.
The facility will offer diverse community-based programs to meet the community’s unique needs while playing a crucial role in fostering cultural strength and personal resilience.
We are aiming to open the Men’s Place in some form in the first half of next year.
We will provide more information about location and details of the facility when they are confirmed.
Some of the programs will include:
Cultural Artefact Making
Workshops that focus on creating traditional artefacts serve as a vital platform for participants to reconnect with their heritage through hands-on cultural practices.
This program is crucial in preserving cultural knowledge and offers a therapeutic, creative outlet for men to express their identities.
Art Workshops
Sessions designed to encourage self-expression through visual arts.
These workshops will allow participants to explore their creativity and use art as a tool for healing and storytelling, creating a space where cultural heritage and contemporary life meet.
Music Sessions
Incorporating both traditional and modern music, these sessions, including Didgeridoo workshops, will provide a powerful means for men to reconnect with cultural practices and each other.
Koori Alcohol and Drug Anonymous Meetings
These meetings are a culturally safe and supportive environment for men affected by alcohol and substance misuse.
They will offer peer support and counselling, helping participants navigate recovery in a way that aligns with their cultural values.
The meetings will aim to empower men to overcome addiction through storytelling, accountability, and community encouragement.
Men’s Groups
These gatherings will offer a supportive space where men can share their experiences, challenges, and successes in a culturally respectful environment.
Discussions will focus on personal resilience, community responsibilities, and building stronger bonds among men in the community.
Strong Cultural Relationships
Programs designed to strengthen men’s connection to Country, culture, and community and foster a sense of pride and resilience.
Through cultural knowledge-sharing, language revival, and participation in ceremonies, men will deepen their understanding of cultural responsibilities, promoting pride and resilience that can be passed down to younger generations.
Family Violence Prevention Programs
These programs will address the critical issue of family violence, providing education, counselling, and support to prevent and respond to violence in the community.
The aim is to foster respectful relationships, healing, and accountability while helping men develop the skills to manage emotions and resolve conflicts in a nonviolent, culturally sensitive manner.
By offering these programs, GEGAC aims to create a space where men can heal, grow, and build strong cultural identities.
These activities will promote early intervention, prevent harmful behaviours, and support the well-being of men, their families, and the wider community.