A special relationship between a group of Aboriginal men and Bairnsdale Police is changing lives for the betterment of the East Gippsland community.
Yoowinna Wurnalung Aboriginal Healing Service has been funded to deliver programs and services for Aboriginal men and youth, who struggle to control their aggression and can be prone to family violence.
The aim is to support men to understand and be accountable for their behaviour, through therapy and a ‘Men’s Behaviour Change’ program.
Principal facilitator, Chris Gibson, said the program, which has been in place for 15 years, has been very effective in helping Aboriginal men of East Gippsland change their behaviours.
The 22-week program is conducted from a farm at Nicholson and involves men attending weekly sessions to learn how to eliminate domestic violence from their lives and make positive changes at home.
“It’s about them taking responsibility for behaviours and by looking at family violence in a different light,” Mr Gibson said.
IMAGE: Principal facilitator of the Men’s Behaviour Change program, Chris Gibson, with Acting Senior Sergeant Owen Smeal on the chair donated by Yoowinna Wurnalung Aboriginal Service outside Bairnsdale police station.
