Babana Aboriginal Steering Committee
incorporating
BABANA Aboriginal Men's Group

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 usually on a fortnightly basis. 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 creating awareness 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.

Being newly formed, Babana has operated in a relatively informal capacity in 2006. However Babana is now taking steps to become an incorporated legal body and doing other things to ensure it is properly equipped to be sustainable in the long term.

At the first 2007 meeting on 15 February, Babana will discuss priorities and strategic directions for the coming year.

For more information please contact Mark Spinks on 9243 3546.