Babana projects in 2006 included a NAIDOC Week harbour boat
trip, representations to City of Sydney and
Leichhardt Councils including an appropriate acknowledgement to Aboriginal
people in the Hyde Park upgrade, volunteering
at community events and concerts, a No Drugs on the Block campaign, and talking
with Redfern Police about improving Community–Police relations. The first
meeting for 2007 was held on 15 February at the Barnardos Office on Redfern Street (a
temporary venue). I was welcomed as a visitor, and made to feel welcome. There
were about 35 men present, including guests from a group in western Sydney (and a delegation from France!). We sat around a big table
out the back of the building – in the fresh air – for about three hours. The
time passed quickly.
Discussion included opposition to the needle exchange
caravan so close to kids’ play areas on the Block, desire to establish Babana
as a legally incorporated body, and need for improved men’s services to ensure
quality of life, mental health, stability for families.
Pastor Ray Minniecon (Crossroads Aboriginal Ministry) spoke
about a commemoration to honour service-men and women on Anzac Day. The
Aboriginal Diggers Recognition project (building on a similar event in 2006)
will comprise an Anzac Day march from the Block to St Saviour’s Anglican
Church. The meeting heard that a bronze monument to Indigenous members of the
Armed Forces who helped defend the country in two world wars, is in the making.
It also heard that an Honour Roll (long overdue) of Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander Diggers is being compiled.
The meeting voted unanimously to support Pastor Minniecon’s
project, and to encourage its more than 70 members to get involved.
Coinciding with the project, Reg Lynch is curating a group
exhibition called ‘The Coloured Digger’ at the Damien Minton Gallery in Great Buckingham Street,
from April 17–May 5.
One of the most lengthy discussions centred on a strategic
planning document entitled ‘Babana: Directions 2007.’ All those present offered responses to the
paper. There was a real feeling of excitement, even urgency. It was impressive.
One youth work volunteer said, “I’m here because I’m
inspired by these guys!” Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer with Redfern
Police, Kalmain Williams, said, “It’s about getting blokes together for a yarn
– the young guys and the Elders.”
Mark Spinks, who works as Indigenous Community Officer at
Centrelink, was full of encouragement and enthusiasm for Babana – for what the
group was achieving, and for what it can still achieve. He praised men for
their special gifts and contributions, and for their commitment. “This group is
growing,” he said, “because you’re serious about being here and caring about
the community.”
“What we really need now,” he added, “is our own place – our
own meeting place.” This is something all the men agree on. They’d love their
own “shed” for outdoor meetings, for business – a place to meet and talk. They
hope it happens soon.
If the meeting I attended is any indication, it won’t be
long. For more information about
Babana contact Mark Spinks on 0411 282 917.
Source: South Sydney Herald March 2007