BABANA Aboriginal Men's Group Incorporated

Background Information

The Babana Aboriginal Mens Group first met in March 2006.

Babana members are motivated by the need in the community for a broad-based non-aligned community group which can be a focal point for community support and development activities and provide positive networking opportunities for local Aboriginal men.

Adopted in October 2006, the term Babana means “brother” in the Dharuk language. As well as being a common term of greeting among Aboriginal men, the term “brother” also conveys a sense of cooperative effort and community. More recently, Babana members agreed to use the above letterhead designed by one of the men.

Since its formation in March 2006, Babana has met 16 times. Average attendance at each meeting is about 20 men. Over that time, Babana membership has grown to the point where about 70 men are on the email and surface mail contact list and receive the minutes of the regular monthly meetings. All meetings are alcohol free.

Babana Projects in 2007 included:

1. Another successful gathering of over 100 men at Shark Island from Katoomba, Western Sydney, Campbelltown and Illawarra mens groups.
2. A NAIDOC event at Yamma Dhinawal centre
3. The Second World Indigenous Day at Sydney Town Hall
4. Ongoing representation and consultaltancy with Police regarding community relations
5. Assisting with the Anzac Koori diggers march
6. Encouraging partnerships with the private sector to bring Certificate II training courses into Redfern working with Aliwelch Training, the Walking Together program and the Crossroads.
7. Holding monthly meetings to build community support and encourage networking and support
8. Supporting Probation and parole clients of the Walking Together program to gain work experience via the Tribal Warrior association.
9. Providing support and personnel to conduct 'Christmas for the kids' on the Block and at Wooloomooloo.

Babana Projects in 2006 included:

1. A NAIDOC Week harbour trip boat trip involving about 80 local men and in Mt Druitt and Campbelltown mens groups. Elders and young sons attended this community-building event.
2. Representations to City of Sydney and Leichhardt Councils including on including an appropriate acknowledgement to Aboriginal people in the Hyde Park upgrade.
3. Volunteering at the NEON Employment Expo (Dec) , and Yabun (Jan. 2007).
4. A No Drugs on the Block campaign which involved talking to dealers and users about negative impacts of the highly visible use of drugs on the community and especially on children in the area - 3 walk-arounds conducted.
5. Delegations to mens health / healing meetings – 6 men recently attended a Western Sydney Area Health Service Aboriginal mens health meeting.
6. Talking with Redfern Police about improving Aboriginal community / Police relations.

In May 2007 Babana became incorporated and elected an interim steering committee

For more information please contact Mark Spinks on 9243 3546.

We are now Incorporated

On 27/4/07 we became incorporated through the Dept off Fair Trading, Incorporation number INC9887390

Incorporation insurance

Lucy Turnbull has offered to pay our initial Incorporation required insurance and many thanks to AMS for your support including John Williams and Hector Tarare

Interin Steering Committee

Has been elected on 10/5/07

Chair - Mark Spinks

Deputy Chair - Hector

Tarare

Secretary - Bobby Perry with support from Don Stewart

Treasurer - Albert Torrens

Other committee members Eric Robinson, George Long and Hilton Donovan

Associated non Aboriginal committee members (by invitation and with no voting rights) Don Stewart and Mark Carroll

We have applied for funding through DADAC and Sydney City Council

The Anzac Day Koori Diggers march which Babana members assisted with was an incredible success

Next Meeting:

to be advised

$3000 sponsorship from South Sydney Rabbitos.

Thanks for your generosity and all of our support from Babana for the great job you are doing on and off the field. Go the Rabbits (see sponsorship section for more details.)

Sponsorship - If you would like to sponsor us for various community related functions we can add you to our web page sponsor section.

Others sponsors - Please click on the sponsors section on the left hand side for other sponsors who we are most grateful to