Stronger in our way: East Kimberley men unite for healing, leadership and change
Men from across the East Kimberley came together recently for the second annual Stronger in Our Way Men’s Forum, a two-day gathering focused on connection, healing, and strengthening cultural identity.
Building on the success of the inaugural 2024 forum, this year brought together men of all ages from Kununurra, Wyndham, Warmun, Halls Creek, and surrounding communities.
Over two days, more than 60 men shared stories, listened deeply, reflected on their journeys, and committed to walking forward together as role models, fathers, uncles, employees, and community leaders.
The forum created a culturally grounded, judgment-free space for men to open up, a rare opportunity many described as long overdue.
Conversations covered healing from trauma, rebuilding cultural identity, supporting young men, addressing shame, and strengthening families. Participants spoke openly about their experiences of incarceration, addiction, grief, cultural disconnection and reconnection, and the pressures men carry in today’s world.
Throughout the forum, men reflected on the importance of strong circles, accountability, physical and mental wellbeing, and learning to speak up. Many emphasised that healing comes not from staying silent, but from walking together, sharing openly, and supporting one another without shame.
Key Themes and Future Directions
The forum identified several priority action areas shaping men’s wellbeing across the East Kimberley:
- More culturally led healing spaces for men
- Lore, culture and identity at the centre of men’s healing
- Building a strong, culturally grounded men’s workforce through shared practice, training and networks
- Collective accountability, consistency and modelling healthy behaviours
- Stronger intergenerational connections, with men supporting young people through structured, culturally grounded activities
- Community-based, preventative approaches to reduce youth offending and adult incarceration
- Regular men’s circles, walks and on-Country activities to maintain momentum
It was also highlighted that building a strong, culturally grounded men’s sector requires investing in the people who hold this work.
Participants emphasised the need for workforce development, shared practice frameworks, and strong networks across communities to support men’s workers, create a common language, and build a sustainable, skilled workforce.
Improving social and emotional wellbeing
These priorities strongly reflect key Closing the Gap targets and the WA Government’s Aboriginal Empowerment Strategy.
The forum’s focus on culture, prevention, healing and local leadership aligns with commitments to improve social and emotional wellbeing, reduce the over-representation of Aboriginal people in the justice system, and strengthen families through Aboriginal-designed and Aboriginal-controlled solutions.
By placing culture, Lore and community authority at the centre, the Stronger in Our Way Men’s Forum demonstrates the kind of early-intervention, place-based approach that governments need to commit to and only community can lead.
Participants described the gathering as “powerful”, “healing”, and “brotherhood at its strongest”. Many spoke about leaving with a clearer sense of purpose, identity, and responsibility, not only to themselves, but to their children, partners, families, and communities.
* The Stronger in Our Way Men’s Forum is an ongoing community-led initiative hosted by Kununurra Waringarri Aboriginal Corporation (KWAC) and Gawooleng Yawoodeng Aboriginal Corporation (GY). Grounded in cultural strength, local leadership, and men supporting each other to build a safer, healthier future for the East Kimberley.
