Men from across Northern Australia are set to gather in Kununurra this November to share experiences, strengthen cultural connections and discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping their futures.
The Stronger In Our Way Men's Forum, held on November 10 and 11, will bring together men, Elders, community leaders, employers and service providers from Darwin to Broome.
The forum, which began held its first event n 2024, is organised by Kununurra Waringarri Aboriginal Corporation (KWAC) and Gawooleng Yawoodeng Aboriginal Corporation (GY).
This year's gathering will place a particular focus on men's healing, strengths and aspirations. Creating opportunities for participants to consider their personal goals, the men they want to become and the support they need to move forward.
Co-facilitator Darryl Gardiner, from Rolling with the Punches, said conversations about men's behaviour needed to be balanced with discussions about identity, aspirations and positive pathways.
Gardiner, who will return to support this year's forum, said men needed opportunities to talk about the people they wanted to be.
"Society has that conversation a lot with men - don't do this, don't replicate these behaviours. But there's not a lot of conversation around: who do you want to be as a man?" he said.
The two-day program will include cultural activities, discussions with Elders and community leaders, personal development workshops and opportunities to connect with employment, training and wellbeing services.
Tuesday's sessions will include a Smoking Ceremony with David Newry and local Elders, a keynote address from Jason Davern of Ord Valley Aboriginal Health Service (OVAHS), and discussions exploring the relationship between strong men, strong families and strong communities.
Wednesday's program will turn towards leadership, goal-setting and practical opportunities, including a panel featuring David Newry, Donny Imberlong, Anthony Martin and Caleb Edelsten, chaired by Gardiner.
A pathways and employment expo will also give participants the opportunity to meet employers, training providers and organisations offering apprenticeships, education and other support.
Organisers say the forum is intended to establish connections that extend beyond the event, linking men with people and services who can continue supporting them in their healing and personal journeys.
Culture will be a central part of the gathering, with traditional knowledge, language, art, dance and history from across Northern Australia incorporated throughout the program.
Organisers say connections to culture and Country are an important part of recognising men's strengths and supporting healing.
The forum will also include a free community celebration on Tuesday evening, giving families and the wider Kununurra community an opportunity to take part.
Held at the Waringarri Grounds and Men's Space from 5pm to 7pm, the celebration will feature a community feed catered by Black Hawk Tours, information stalls, family activities and games, traditional Mirriwong and Bardi dancers, and a live performance by Peter Brandy from 6pm to 7pm.
Previous guest speaker Dr Clinton Schultz, from the Black Dog Institute, said he had seen the value of creating spaces where men could come together and consider how to make positive changes in their lives.
"It's been an amazing experience... being around a bunch of men who want to heal. They want to look at: how do I move forward? How can I do things better? How can I be better, not just for myself, but my family and my community?," said Dr Schultz.
The November gathering continues a series of forums shaped by men's calls for greater connection, opportunities to heal and practical support for themselves, their families and their communities.
All forum activities are free, with meals provided. The event will be alcohol and drug free.
Daytime forum sessions are for men only. Tuesday evening's community celebration is open to the wider community.
The full agenda is available online.
