Inala Wangarra has recently introduced a new young men’s group for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, which aims to assist young males aged 11-18.
Inala Wangarra Inc. is a not-for-profit organisation providing community programs and community services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in Inala.
The young men’s group, which is supported by Inspire Youth and Family Services, will help young people reach self-determined goals.
Mununjali, Gunggari, Bundjalung man and Youth Bail Support Officer for Wangarra, Mitchell Harrison-Currie, runs the group meetings which meet every Tuesday from 11:30 am.
“I work with youth that are involved within the youth justice space and youth that are at risk of being involved with,” he said.
“Apart of that role, I have created the young men’s group, where every session is different depending on what our young men want to do.”
The group focuses on four key components during the sessions – education, community, health, and culture.
“We have about ten young men who are participating in the program, and it is growing each session,” Mitchell said.
“We also have a small cohort of young men from Hymba Yumba and have had positive feedback from the school.”
Exploring beyond the sessions
The group also heads out for excursions related to the components within the sessions.
“We recently ventured to Coorparoo Boxing Gym for the men to learn some new skills,” he said.
“In the future, I’m hoping to take the men out to Beaudesert, as many of our young fellas are Mununjali, so they can get to know their extended family.”
Wangarra CEO Bob Smith is a huge advocate for the program and sees the benefits it has already provided.
“One of the biggest things I love about the program is that all the sessions are co-facilitated with community organisations and elders,” he said.
“This allows the young fellas to be introduced to different community members from different backgrounds, which sets them up with established relationships regardless of whether we are here or not.”
Once participants have reached their goals, a definitional ceremony will take place as they transition to the men’s group Yakka Malar – The Hard Work of Men – where they will sit with the uncles.
For more information call 3372 2333 or email bailsupport@inalawangarra.com.au.
