The inaugural Men's Forum in Bourke, held 13-15 August, was so successful that the organisers are hoping to turn the event into an annual experience.

Based on a formula developed in the Northern Territory, the Men's Forum was an initiative of the Bourke Aboriginal Corporation Health Service (BACHS), with the support of Catholic Care, Aboriginal Legal Services, Community Corrections, Maranguka and REDI.E.

Around 20 men of all ages participated - ranging from teenagers to those in their 50s.

Issues discussed ranged from wellbeing, trauma, healing and grief, to family, domestic, and sexual violence.

Opening up and sharing was a crucial part of the process.

"The safety to talk about those topics was set in the room by our presenters who spoke from a place of lived experience," BACHS Chair James Moore said.

"Every night we had dinner together to reflect and debrief about the day.

"For many men, it's hard to open up about their feelings, let alone their traumas.

"This is having long-term health impacts on how they see themselves and how they're viewed by others, including their family members."

Keynote speaker Joe Williams at the Men in Bourke Forum Photo Credit: Sheila Bartley Photography

The key note speakers included:

• Lukas Williams, a recipient of the Northern Territory Government Aboriginal Medical Services Remote Worker of the Year Award in 2018
• Uncle Ivan Clarke, a group leader in the Strong Aboriginal Men's Group and a member of the Stolen Generation
• Joe Williams, who played in the National Rugby League and now focuses on hosting workshops centred around mental health.

Lucas Williams explained why the Men's Forum model has worked in the Northern Territory.

"Men have stories and when we gather around with other men and share those stories, we recognise them within our bodies and brains," he said.

"This is something universal to all men, not just Aboriginal men, and what I saw at this forum is that men in Bourke have stories and have a safe space to share them."

Corey Anderson, a local youth worker, was the guest speaker at the youth forum component which focused on healthy relationships and improving communication. 

Participants of the Men in Bourke Forum Photo Credit: Sheila Bartley Photography

"The topics we covered were hard-hitting but necessary topics such as trauma and identifying how they impacted all men, but importantly Aboriginal men," BACHS CEO John Fetuani said.

Mr Fetuani said Uncle Ivan Clarke spoke about the stigmatisation of Aboriginal men as bad men, adding, "He later rephrased this to say that in fact Aboriginal men are traumatised men - as a result impacting Aboriginal men through attitudinal and lifestyle choices."

The formats of the sessions were varied, with the men participating in a yoga session on one of the days. For many of them this was for the first time, but Mr Moore said the session was well-received by everyone.

On the last night, the Forum wrapped up with a corroboree where the men had the opportunity to participate in traditional dance with children from the local community.

Mr Moore sees this is the start of something more significant for the men living in Bourke and surrounding townships, as it will help deliver a more rounded and holistic approach to the healthcare needs of men, which will have a positive flow-on effect for families.

BACHS CEO John Fetuani taking part in a smoking ceremony during the Men in Bourke forum Photo Credit: Sheila Bartley Photography