RED DUST HEALING Red Dust Healing is based on a cultural belief that we are one people, one mob who...

RED DUST RED DUST HEALINGHEALING

Red Dust Healing Red Dust Healing is based on a cultural is based on a cultural belief that we are one people, one mob who belief that we are one people, one mob who

do not own but belong to this land.do not own but belong to this land.

When the dust is settled on our lives, all we When the dust is settled on our lives, all we get to keep and take with us is our dignity, get to keep and take with us is our dignity, our integrity and the love and respect we our integrity and the love and respect we

shared with peopleshared with people

Red Dust Healing – BackgroundRed Dust Healing – BackgroundFor too long now some Indigenous men have maintained a For too long now some Indigenous men have maintained a state of oppression, whether by choice or circumstance is a state of oppression, whether by choice or circumstance is a matter of perspective and opinion.matter of perspective and opinion.

Men need to understand what oppression is and how it has Men need to understand what oppression is and how it has effected their lives. effected their lives.

MODEL OF OPPRESSION MODEL OF OPPRESSION (By Dr Jefferson Edwards & Randal Ross)(By Dr Jefferson Edwards & Randal Ross)

Federal (ATSIC) FathersFederal (ATSIC) Fathers

Community FamilyCommunity Family

House-hold House-holdHouse-hold House-hold

Family CommunityFamily Community

Individual – Men NationIndividual – Men Nation

Background Background (continued)(continued)

Due to the results of colonisation Indigenous men had Due to the results of colonisation Indigenous men had three key values taken away from them as men: three key values taken away from them as men:

11) Identity) Identity – their image of who they were was distorted – their image of who they were was distorted through the harsh practices of assimilation through the harsh practices of assimilation

2) Responsibility2) Responsibility – men were stripped of their traditional – men were stripped of their traditional roles which saw them once respond with the ability i.e., roles which saw them once respond with the ability i.e., to provide by hunting, passing on culture and traditions, to provide by hunting, passing on culture and traditions, making tools, shelter, canoes etc and making tools, shelter, canoes etc and

3) Relationship3) Relationship – both our men and women were taken – both our men and women were taken away from the families, and the results of this today away from the families, and the results of this today have left many of our men not knowing how to show have left many of our men not knowing how to show emotion and build relationships within their own families emotion and build relationships within their own families and amongst other fellow men.and amongst other fellow men.


Red Dust Healing Red Dust Healing is written from an Indigenous is written from an Indigenous perspective for Indigenous Men and their families. The perspective for Indigenous Men and their families. The program is targeted at the heart and not the headprogram is targeted at the heart and not the head

The program facilitates the understanding of The program facilitates the understanding of “Rejection” and “Grief and Loss” being the foundation “Rejection” and “Grief and Loss” being the foundation of all hurtof all hurt

Participants are encouraged to examine their own Participants are encouraged to examine their own personal hurt and allows them to heal from within personal hurt and allows them to heal from within addressing family and personal relationships and what addressing family and personal relationships and what may have been life long patterns of violence, abuse may have been life long patterns of violence, abuse and neglect.and neglect.


The program places the participant both in the The program places the participant both in the position of being hurt (victim) and then as the one position of being hurt (victim) and then as the one doing the hurting (perpetrator) doing the hurting (perpetrator)

The program identifies the emotions felt as the victim The program identifies the emotions felt as the victim and then the hurt caused as the perpetrator and then the hurt caused as the perpetrator

Participants are asked to examine the similarities and Participants are asked to examine the similarities and effects this may have had on their lives while growing effects this may have had on their lives while growing up and question whether they are repeating the same up and question whether they are repeating the same tactics that may have hurt them. tactics that may have hurt them.


The program encompasses visual holistic learning The program encompasses visual holistic learning modules linking cultures to encourage participants modules linking cultures to encourage participants with individual insights into identity, belonging and with individual insights into identity, belonging and self belief. self belief.

The program encourages our men to heal. If our men The program encourages our men to heal. If our men learn to heal, then we can build stronger family learn to heal, then we can build stronger family relationships. relationships.

The program explores ancient traditional practices, The program explores ancient traditional practices, the morals, values and principals of these ways and the morals, values and principals of these ways and then demonstrates how they fit into today’s society.then demonstrates how they fit into today’s society.


An example of this is the program outlines and An example of this is the program outlines and examines the perspectives of two different laws; examines the perspectives of two different laws;

LAW versus LORELAW versus LORE

LLegalities egalities LLandand

AAttorney Generals ttorney Generals OOriginrigin

WWestminster estminster RRespectespect

EElders lders

Red Dust Healing – philosophyRed Dust Healing – philosophyIf we do not know who we are and where we come If we do not know who we are and where we come from, then how do we know where we are going?from, then how do we know where we are going?

Healing is a spiritual understanding of self, identity, Healing is a spiritual understanding of self, identity, love, belonging, family, security, hurt, heartache, good love, belonging, family, security, hurt, heartache, good times and laughtertimes and laughter

Healing is a grasp for hope based on love and respect Healing is a grasp for hope based on love and respect and understanding of ourselves and our supports and and understanding of ourselves and our supports and being able to tell “our” stories.being able to tell “our” stories.

Program contentProgram contentRed Dust HealingRed Dust Healing covers areas significant to healing covers areas significant to healing such as: such as:

Identity, family roles and structure, relationships, Identity, family roles and structure, relationships, Elders, Men’s business, Indigenous history and the Elders, Men’s business, Indigenous history and the impacts of colonialism, drug and alcohol issues, impacts of colonialism, drug and alcohol issues, family violence, grievance and loss, stress and family violence, grievance and loss, stress and mental health issues, anger management, mental health issues, anger management, education and employment housing issues, education and employment housing issues, meetings and community contribution and meetings and community contribution and governance.governance.

Case-management and support Case-management and support systemssystems

Each person will have an individual case-management Each person will have an individual case-management plan developed to meet their personal needsplan developed to meet their personal needs

Red Dust Healing Red Dust Healing promotes follow up, links and promotes follow up, links and referrals to relevant services assisting with completion referrals to relevant services assisting with completion of goal setting or case-management plansof goal setting or case-management plans

The case-management plan can be supported by a The case-management plan can be supported by a buddy and mentor system that can assist and enhance buddy and mentor system that can assist and enhance completion of individual case plans.completion of individual case plans.

Case-management and support Case-management and support systems systems (continued)(continued)

The program promotes ownership, self determination, The program promotes ownership, self determination, sustainability and autonomy. The program empowers sustainability and autonomy. The program empowers people and communities to participate and contribute people and communities to participate and contribute to solutions within their communitiesto solutions within their communities

The program has developed links to employment The program has developed links to employment opportunities through a partnership with North opportunities through a partnership with North Queensland Water, TTRIMA and BARK (Brothers Act of Queensland Water, TTRIMA and BARK (Brothers Act of Random Kindness)Random Kindness)

Other partners include James Cook University Other partners include James Cook University Indigenous Health Unit, JCU Dispute Resolution Indigenous Health Unit, JCU Dispute Resolution Program, ATSI Legal Service NQ.Program, ATSI Legal Service NQ.

Project delivery designProject delivery design

The project will utilise existing mainstream service The project will utilise existing mainstream service providers and Indigenous service providers and providers and Indigenous service providers and Indigenous Elders to assist with the delivery of Indigenous Elders to assist with the delivery of relevant service modules; i.e. Relevant Elders to assist relevant service modules; i.e. Relevant Elders to assist with cultural and traditional ways, Aboriginal health with cultural and traditional ways, Aboriginal health workers for healthy lifestyle and diet etc. Sexual workers for healthy lifestyle and diet etc. Sexual Health workers and D & A workers to assist with case-Health workers and D & A workers to assist with case-plans if required etc. plans if required etc.

Project delivery designProject delivery designTThe program will be delivered to 20 groups two times he program will be delivered to 20 groups two times per group, in the North Queensland Region and per group, in the North Queensland Region and Western NSWWestern NSW

The program will be delivered by 2 trainers to a group The program will be delivered by 2 trainers to a group of 8–10 participants over a 3–4 day period. Daily time of 8–10 participants over a 3–4 day period. Daily time envisaged would be between 9.30am and 3.30 pm envisaged would be between 9.30am and 3.30 pm with lunch, morning and afternoon tea provided with lunch, morning and afternoon tea provided

The second training would be completed within a 4 to The second training would be completed within a 4 to 6 week period after the initial training block.6 week period after the initial training block.

Project delivery designProject delivery design

The Buddies/Mentors will support and encourage The Buddies/Mentors will support and encourage participants to complete case-plan goalsparticipants to complete case-plan goals

This gives participants the opportunity to follow This gives participants the opportunity to follow through with case-plans and with relevant service through with case-plans and with relevant service providers in between the two training blocksproviders in between the two training blocks

Outcomes and performance Outcomes and performance measuresmeasures

Projected outcomes include:Projected outcomes include:

– Understanding of the impact of Rejection and Grief Understanding of the impact of Rejection and Grief and Lossand Loss

– Better understanding of self and allow men to Better understanding of self and allow men to address the hurt within their livesaddress the hurt within their lives

– Improved self esteemImproved self esteem

– Identifying the linking of emotions and feelings with Identifying the linking of emotions and feelings with behaviours and actionsbehaviours and actions

– Realization and knowledge that support is available Realization and knowledge that support is available through networks and services to assist participants through networks and services to assist participants and familiesand families

– Families are linked to service providersFamilies are linked to service providers


Indigenous Men will have an understanding of identity Indigenous Men will have an understanding of identity and learn to self evaluate matters that impact on their and learn to self evaluate matters that impact on their own personal livesown personal lives

Development of future role models and fathers Development of future role models and fathers

Restore relationships within familiesRestore relationships within families


Strengthening current partnershipsStrengthening current partnerships

Increasing capacity of Indigenous men to contribute, Increasing capacity of Indigenous men to contribute, plan, implement and evaluate a variety of strategies, plan, implement and evaluate a variety of strategies, projects and programs in their communityprojects and programs in their community

Improve relationships between fathers and sonsImprove relationships between fathers and sons

Develop and enhance support networks for Indigenous Develop and enhance support networks for Indigenous menmen

Assist to mend family relationshipsAssist to mend family relationships

Performance measuresPerformance measuresFeed back forms and interviews from participantsFeed back forms and interviews from participants

Completed case-plans and links to agencies and Completed case-plans and links to agencies and support networkssupport networks

Participation levels throughout the program, Participation levels throughout the program, maintained by attendance sheetsmaintained by attendance sheets

Feedback from local organizations and family members Feedback from local organizations and family members

Participants involved in co-facilitating future trainingParticipants involved in co-facilitating future training

Formation of a partnership committee to implement Formation of a partnership committee to implement and guide the projectand guide the project

Black tracking – retracing your steps, self evaluation Black tracking – retracing your steps, self evaluation process. process.

RDH outcomes achievedRDH outcomes achievedCleveland Youth Detention Centre at TownsvilleCleveland Youth Detention Centre at Townsville

• 21 participants completed the program 21 participants completed the program

• 4 clients did not complete the program 4 clients did not complete the program

• 1 was released, 1 had a court appearance, 2 chose not 1 was released, 1 had a court appearance, 2 chose not to complete the programto complete the program

• 3 facilitators were mentored through the program3 facilitators were mentored through the program

• Management of Cleveland has asked for some of their Management of Cleveland has asked for some of their staff to be trained in the program before the end of the staff to be trained in the program before the end of the year and negotiations are under discussionyear and negotiations are under discussion

RDH outcomes RDH outcomes (continued)(continued)

Kirwin High School Kirwin High School

• 14 participants completed the program14 participants completed the program

• 2 did not complete the program2 did not complete the program

• 1 facilitator was mentored through the program1 facilitator was mentored through the program

• Kirwin High has now acquired funds and has Kirwin High has now acquired funds and has already run a follow up to the program. The already run a follow up to the program. The facilitator trained in the program has run the facilitator trained in the program has run the follow up. Kirwin High has indicated that they will follow up. Kirwin High has indicated that they will continue to run the program at the school.continue to run the program at the school.

• Total 15 completed programTotal 15 completed program


Flexible Learning Centre TownsvilleFlexible Learning Centre Townsville

• 8 students completed the program8 students completed the program

• 2 did not complete the program2 did not complete the program

• 3 facilitators have been mentored through the 3 facilitators have been mentored through the programprogram

• Flexible learning staff has now been trained in the Flexible learning staff has now been trained in the delivery of the programdelivery of the program



Magani Malu Kes TownsvilleMagani Malu Kes Townsville

• 3 students completed the program3 students completed the program

• 1 student chose not to complete the program1 student chose not to complete the program

• 1 facilitator has been mentored through the program1 facilitator has been mentored through the program


Cunnamulla Reference GroupCunnamulla Reference Group

• 5 participants completed the program5 participants completed the program

• 1 Cooma Elder and 1 facilitator have been mentored 1 Cooma Elder and 1 facilitator have been mentored through the programthrough the program



Townsville Aboriginal and Islander Health ServicesTownsville Aboriginal and Islander Health Services

• 5 participants completed the program including health 5 participants completed the program including health and social workers.and social workers.

ATSICLS (NQ) Legal ServicesATSICLS (NQ) Legal Services

• 5 Indigenous Field Staff and the Chief Executive Officer of 5 Indigenous Field Staff and the Chief Executive Officer of the organisation completed the program. the organisation completed the program.

• A "A "Cultural Awareness"Cultural Awareness" version of the program was version of the program was also conducted for 17 staff members of ATSI Legal also conducted for 17 staff members of ATSI Legal Services with positive feedback.Services with positive feedback.

• Total of 27 complete different modules of programTotal of 27 complete different modules of program

Total 41 (YP 15 to 18 years old) completed the Total 41 (YP 15 to 18 years old) completed the program – only 8 re-offended in over 15 monthsprogram – only 8 re-offended in over 15 months

RDH outcomes contd.RDH outcomes contd.

Kempsey Uncles Program NSWKempsey Uncles Program NSW

6 of the Uncles have been trained in the program and 6 of the Uncles have been trained in the program and are working with young people and passing on some of are working with young people and passing on some of the skills learnt as part of their programthe skills learnt as part of their program

Kempsey NSW Kempsey NSW

• 7 young Aboriginal men have completed the program 7 young Aboriginal men have completed the program only one has re-offended in nearly 18 monthsonly one has re-offended in nearly 18 months

• Total of 13 completed programTotal of 13 completed program


Coffs Harbour NSWCoffs Harbour NSW

• The first one of two mixed groups involving Men and The first one of two mixed groups involving Men and Women, Indigenous and non-indigenous. Four male and Women, Indigenous and non-indigenous. Four male and 2 female. 4 Indigenous 2 non-indigenous completed the 2 female. 4 Indigenous 2 non-indigenous completed the program with wonderful success.program with wonderful success.

• Total of 6 completed programTotal of 6 completed program


Lismore (Cabbage Tree Is) NSWLismore (Cabbage Tree Is) NSW

• 22ndnd mixed group, all Indigenous, 4 male and 2 female. mixed group, all Indigenous, 4 male and 2 female. Two of the group have arranged to deliver the program Two of the group have arranged to deliver the program in one of the local schools in Lismore targeting difficult in one of the local schools in Lismore targeting difficult students who are at risk of dropping out of school.students who are at risk of dropping out of school.

• Total of 6 completed the program Total of 6 completed the program


Moree Men’s GroupMoree Men’s Group

• Nine men have completed the training. This group was Nine men have completed the training. This group was one of the best conducted by RDH. Already plans are one of the best conducted by RDH. Already plans are under way to have the program included into local under way to have the program included into local schools and the Moree Secondary College. More men schools and the Moree Secondary College. More men via “word of mouth” have asked could they participate via “word of mouth” have asked could they participate in the next program deliveryin the next program delivery

• Total of 9 completed the programTotal of 9 completed the program


Forster/Tuncurry Homebase ServicesForster/Tuncurry Homebase Services

• Only two out of 5 participants completed the program. Only two out of 5 participants completed the program. The other's chose not to complete the program.The other's chose not to complete the program.

• Total of 2 completed the program Total of 2 completed the program

• Cultural Awareness Training have been conducted for Cultural Awareness Training have been conducted for 18 practicing GP's and Interns on the Mid North Coast at 18 practicing GP's and Interns on the Mid North Coast at Coffs Rural Medical ClinicCoffs Rural Medical Clinic

• Total of 18 have completed cultural awareness modules Total of 18 have completed cultural awareness modules of the programof the program

RDH outcomes achievedRDH outcomes achievedOver 156 people have now officially completed the Over 156 people have now officially completed the program with some outstanding resultsprogram with some outstanding results

Some interviews conducted with participants have been Some interviews conducted with participants have been conducted for visual feedbackconducted for visual feedback

The main reason why this program has had success is The main reason why this program has had success is that it is targeted at the heart and not the head. The that it is targeted at the heart and not the head. The program allows for numeracy and literacy issues, it is program allows for numeracy and literacy issues, it is flexible to cater for all ATSI men and women young and flexible to cater for all ATSI men and women young and old, Cultural Awareness modules for non-ATSI people. old, Cultural Awareness modules for non-ATSI people. The program has also been run with a mixed group of The program has also been run with a mixed group of ATSI and non-ATSI people. The program creates an ATSI and non-ATSI people. The program creates an environment that allows for confidentiality to be kept environment that allows for confidentiality to be kept and participants feel free to express their emotions.and participants feel free to express their emotions.

Case study 1 responseCase study 1 responseTo whom it may concernTo whom it may concern I am writing this letter to express the emotions and self belief i got from Tom and Barry. These two guys were extremely I am writing this letter to express the emotions and self belief i got from Tom and Barry. These two guys were extremely powerful and supportive which made the journey you take so easy and comfortable, the journey let me say what i was feeling powerful and supportive which made the journey you take so easy and comfortable, the journey let me say what i was feeling without feeling like i was getting judged for what i had done or said.without feeling like i was getting judged for what i had done or said.What i got out of this journey is really to much to put into words but i well try. I now understand that people all act What i got out of this journey is really to much to put into words but i well try. I now understand that people all act differently to different situations, eg: some reactions are passed down through generations. The journey that u take helps you differently to different situations, eg: some reactions are passed down through generations. The journey that u take helps you to understand and relate to why people do what they do.to understand and relate to why people do what they do.This journey has helped me realise that things that happened in my past had nothing to do with me, if not for this after 10 This journey has helped me realise that things that happened in my past had nothing to do with me, if not for this after 10 years i would be still carrying the guilt i once felt, being able to talk openly really helped and i have a sense of freedom. The years i would be still carrying the guilt i once felt, being able to talk openly really helped and i have a sense of freedom. The feeling you get at the start of this journey is scared, emotional and you are out of your comfort zone but in a short time with feeling you get at the start of this journey is scared, emotional and you are out of your comfort zone but in a short time with these guys you feel at ease and no matter what you say or do in their eyes you still felt as if you where somebody.these guys you feel at ease and no matter what you say or do in their eyes you still felt as if you where somebody.I have also learnt what a man really is, i thought a man's role was dominating but after listening to Tom and Barry i now I have also learnt what a man really is, i thought a man's role was dominating but after listening to Tom and Barry i now realize that a real man is someone that cares and loves his family and also a good role model. I truly believe that one thing i realize that a real man is someone that cares and loves his family and also a good role model. I truly believe that one thing i got the most out of were the cards, i couldn’t express the feeling i had after doing this. Expressions weren't enough, i had to got the most out of were the cards, i couldn’t express the feeling i had after doing this. Expressions weren't enough, i had to do the cards with my own family and a couple of close friends for them to understand what a impact this was for me. They do the cards with my own family and a couple of close friends for them to understand what a impact this was for me. They were all amazed and emotional as i, when doing this, which has made them more understanding as well.were all amazed and emotional as i, when doing this, which has made them more understanding as well.After finishing the program i now believe in myself and have a lot more confidence. This program has taken me from After finishing the program i now believe in myself and have a lot more confidence. This program has taken me from basically being unemployed and living in Kempsey, NSW to moving out of home to QLD. I have 2 months to go and have basically being unemployed and living in Kempsey, NSW to moving out of home to QLD. I have 2 months to go and have finished my apprenticeship and also am being trained to becoming a junior foreman with the company i work with.finished my apprenticeship and also am being trained to becoming a junior foreman with the company i work with.I know without this journey that was provided to me that i would not be where i am today, doing what i love to do.I know without this journey that was provided to me that i would not be where i am today, doing what i love to do.I cannot speak highly enough of this program and i could never repay the two guys that has helped me get where i am today. I cannot speak highly enough of this program and i could never repay the two guys that has helped me get where i am today. I keep in touch with Tom by phone, a couple times a month and still this man has the same power over the phone as he does I keep in touch with Tom by phone, a couple times a month and still this man has the same power over the phone as he does face to face. I love this man with all my heart.face to face. I love this man with all my heart. TrentTrent

Case study 2 responseCase study 2 responseDear Tom, Dear Tom,

I’d like to first start off by saying thank you from the bottom of my heart I’d like to first start off by saying thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me to find myself. The reason why this program is so for helping me to find myself. The reason why this program is so deadly is because of the cultural aspect to it and how it relates to my up deadly is because of the cultural aspect to it and how it relates to my up bringing. I am proud to say that after completing this program, I’m bringing. I am proud to say that after completing this program, I’m very confident as a strong Indigenous man to facilitator this program very confident as a strong Indigenous man to facilitator this program and being a strong leader within my community. Being involved in this and being a strong leader within my community. Being involved in this program enables you to look within yourself by identifying your flaws program enables you to look within yourself by identifying your flaws and dealing with them head on. and dealing with them head on.

Tommy, once again thank you my brother. You saved my marriage and Tommy, once again thank you my brother. You saved my marriage and I’m a better father and husband. I’d recommend this program to I’m a better father and husband. I’d recommend this program to anyone. anyone.

Thank you Thank you

GavinGavinTownsville, Qld Townsville, Qld

Thanks for your timeThanks for your time

WE WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO THANK WE WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIMEYOU FOR YOUR TIME

Spread Out and Stick Together, Spread Out and Stick Together,

RANDAL ROSS TOM POWELLRANDAL ROSS TOM POWELL

0407 739-685 0419 489-2750407 739-685 0419 489-275

Presentation updated 19 September 08Presentation updated 19 September 08

RED DUST HEALING Red Dust Healing is based on a cultural belief that we are one people, one mob who...

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