About Gamarada
Gamarada is based in Redfern, Sydney, Australia.
What is Gamarada? – Gamarada means ‘comrades or friends’ in the Gadigal language. It is a program that attempts to create a holistic mix of largely Aboriginal and Eastern methods of self healing that will create a greater respect for Aboriginality, with Aboriginal people creating not only a program for themselves, but a program that can be offered as a means of healing and coming together with the wider community.
Gamarada is owned by those who attend. It is about joining as brothers, to create a space where we support our own growth and healing as well as the growth and healing of other participans. It is about trying to focus on higher values such as community service, love, compassion, non violence supported by building inner strength, discipline, willpower and self control.
The best way is to attend our next information session at the Community Centre Redfern, corner Louis and Hugo Sts Redfern DOWNSTAIRS (take the lift to the lower level), Monday 1/9/08 6-7pm where we will have graduates speaking, video clips, and an outline of what is in the program.
To obtain an information sheet, you can email or phone :
gamarada07@yahoo.com
Or you can attend our programat the Community Centre Redfern , corner Louis and Hugo Sts Redfern.
About Graduate David Leha
A little about myself, if I may. In my last prison sentence 10 years ago for Malicious Wounding, I spent 11 months in solitary due to my violent behaviour.
My journey began to accelerate 3 years ago. First, I completed the Probation and Parole Walking Together program. I then regularly attended the Kirradan Mens’ group at the AMS and formed my own Act, Radical Sun. I joined the Babana Men’s group and recently graduated from a Gamarada Healing train the trainer program and am currently enrolled in a Certificate IV in training.
Gratitude and appreciation is the way I best express how I feel for the support I have been given. I would like to share how I have learnt to control my destructive rage and anger, turning negative and positive, using techniques such as Dadirri ( Aboriginal Bunjuling language for going inside), breathing and anger release techniques to control my energy and to create a whole new life for myself.
I would be honoured to work together with you. David Leha.
What Others have to Say About David
‘David did the train the trainer Gamarada program with me and other brothers. His dedication, his humility and his sheer size can have a profound effect on people. When he talks, people listen.’ – Shane Phillips, CEO Tribal Warrior Association.
‘The session that Dave conducted for Kirradan men’s group was incredible. He has an uncanny ability to connect with people, using his own personal experience and humility, to gain the men’s attention and respect. His passion for serving people, his humility and the profound nature of what he says and how he says it is inspiring’. Additionally, he is a talented entertainer with his own solo Act, Radical Son, and has been nominated for 2 deadly Aboriginal Awards’’ – Ken Zulumovsky, Worker in the field of Aboriginal mental health and social and emotional well being for 10 years.
‘I have seen David develop over time, into a man who has the capacity and ability to make a huge positive impact on people, especially those with drug, alcohol and anger issues, because this is what he has overcome’ Albert Torrens, Aboriginal Client Liaison Officer, Walking Together program.
‘I’m really really impressed with David’s presentation and the energy he gives to his presentation. What he’s doing has the capacity to make a big difference in the lives of many men in need of help’ Neil Power, Care Connect.
‘David’s presentation imbued the group sitting in the circle with strong power‘ Don Clark Treasurer Babana.
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