A men’s circle epitomises the bonding created at Apunipima Cape York Health Council’s three on-Country camps. Photos: Apunipima Cape York Health Council.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men from different regions of the Cape joined together recently to reconnect with culture and strengthen their spirit through shared healing.
The three on-Country men’s camps hosted by Apunipima Cape York Health Council were designed as immersive cultural experiences to support social and emotional wellbeing, leadership and community connection.
The camp locations were chosen for their cultural significance with men from Hope Vale and Wujal Wujal attending Normanby Station, Aurukun participants at Moreton Telegraph Station, and Pormpuraaw representatives at Paa Panthu Homelands.
“Being on Country creates a sense of peace and clarity that allows the men to reflect on their lives, their roles in community and encourages them to share about who they are and where they come from,” community development officer William Blanco said.
“This is the foundation of spiritual health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”
The men take time to reflect at sacred rock art as part of the camp activities.
The aim of the camps was to create a culturally safe space for the men to speak openly. Each camp over four nights consisted of daytime workshops and discussions on topics such as identifying values, empowerment, goal setting, leadership qualities and self-care.
The sessions were broken up by various on-Country activities designed to stimulate the men’s cultural identities and get them outside to stretch their legs. Activities included smoking ceremonies, visiting sacred rock art and other cultural sites, bush walking and fishing.
“Sitting together around the campfire, walking through the bush or in the daily yarning circles, the men found common ground and built strong bonds by listening and sharing with each other,” Mr Blanco said.
Apunipima’s First Nations mentor Richard Assan, who attended Normanby Station and Paa Panthu, said the camps provided an ideal setting for the men to open up and discuss what was important to them.
“The guys loved getting out of the community and back on Country, where they’re free to participate in men’s business away from the distractions of the community,” Mr Assan said.
“Over the few days you could notice the change in the men as they connected with themselves, each other and with Country.”
Men from Hope Vale and Wujal Wujal take a well-deserved break at Normanby Station.
Apunipima men’s support workers from each relevant community and staff from Cairns also attended the camps.
The workshops revolved around personal and group reflection as they discussed how the men could be strong role models and community leaders.
Len Winston Paul from the Aurukun group said everyone took plenty away from the camp.
“I enjoyed it. I think the other guys did as well because everyone connected straight away,” he said.
“It was very peaceful getting out of the community and good that everyone shared their concerns and discussed what we need to do to be strong leaders in our community.”
The men’s camps were delivered as part of Apunipima’s Men’s Outreach Program and made possible through the support of the Department of Health and Aged Care.
Apunipima Cape York Health Council is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation. It provides comprehensive primary health care and social emotional wellbeing services to 11 Cape York communities.
