"It was powerful — real brotherhood at its strongest," one man said after more than 60 participants gathered in Kununurra, in WA's East Kimberley region at the recent Stronger in Our Way Men's Forum.

Others described the two-day gathering as "healing" and "long overdue", a space where men from Kununurra, Wyndham, Warmun and Halls Creek could speak openly about trauma, and the pressures carried by Aboriginal men in the East Kimberley.

Hosted by Kununurra Waringarri Aboriginal Corporation and Gawooleng Yawoodeng Aboriginal Corporation, the forum — now in its second year — created what many participants called a "judgement-free opportunity" to share stories without shame.

Across the two days, men reflected on incarceration, addiction, grief, cultural disconnection and reconnection, and what it means to be a strong father, uncle, partner and community leader.

They spoke about the need for "strong circles", accountability, and learning to speak up rather than stay silent.

Several themes emerged from the discussions, including calls for more culturally led healing spaces, stronger intergenerational connections, and structured support for young men.

Participants emphasised preventative, community-based approaches to reducing youth offending and adult incarceration, along with regular men's circles and on-Country activities to keep momentum going.

A key message was the need to invest in the people who carry this work — building a culturally grounded men's workforce.

Those priorities align with the WA Government's Aboriginal Empowerment Strategy and key Closing the Gap targets focused on social and emotional wellbeing, justice outcomes and Aboriginal-designed local solutions.

Organisers say the forum is part of a long-term, community-led effort to strengthen men's leadership across the East Kimberley by placing culture and Lore at the centre of healing.