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Men’s Centre opens at Woorabinda
by Susan Culling 11 November 2015
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new men’s centre has opened at the Woorabinda Aboriginal Community, in response to community calls for a place for men to go for social connection and support. The centre is also a safe place for men to go to de-escalate potential domestic violence and for time out. Red Cross Service Manager Shane Wilkie (pictured) says Red Cross has joined with other agencies in the community-run constorium to establish the centre, as part of Red Cross’ long-term role in supporting the community’s
development. The consortium includes Queensland Police Service, Bidgerdii Health, Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Council, Australian Red Cross, Woorabinda Multi-Purpose Health Service (Queensland Health), PCYC, Youth Justice and Probation and Parole (Queensland Correctives Services). “Our community’s men have said they want to reduce the domestic violence cycle, relationship breakdowns and incarceration rates of Woorabinda males,” Mr Wilkie says. “Woorabinda has long had a women and children’s centre. But it’s been felt that with domestic violence still at a high rate, why
should women and children leave their homes, sometimes in the middle of the night to go to the women’s shelter? It’s easier to have a men’s centre open 24 hours where men can go if they need time out and to get some support with their issues. The consortium is seeking funding to run the centre on a permanent basis, 24 hours a day.” “This new men’s consortium separates the men’s and the women’s business, and allows men to feel free to express themselves in a supportive environment.” The centre has three bedrooms with options to expand it in future. It is staffed by male staff and volunteers – all trained local men. It’s designed as a one-stop shop for programs and men’s yarning circles, healing, learning and cultural practices. “It will build the men’s profile in the community so they can promote themselves as strong role models for our children,” Mr Wilkie says. Some of the programs to be run at the centre include garden maintenance, nutrition on a budget, conflict resolution, legal information, child safety, family well-being, financial management, men and youth leadership and community radio. As well, recreational programs are planned, including fishing, bush walks, wood work, gym programs, learning to play musical instruments, painting, poetry and story telling. “It’s all about responding to the community’s desire for positive change for the future of the individual, families and community as a whole,” Mr Wilkie says.
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