This primary prevention initiative is a partnership between DVassist and Hope Community Services in Kalgoorlie. The project is named after the male emu, Karlaya, a symbol of protection and nurturing in Aboriginal culture.
Between November 2024 and June 2025, a group of Aboriginal men from Kalgoorlie—Frank Martin, Stephen Morrison, George Laughton, Brett Lambadgee, and Joshua Alberts— voluntarily worked with DVassist’s Primary Prevention Specialist, Heath Greville, to co-develop workshops and resources aimed at preventing violence against women. Their focus is on promoting healthy expressions of masculinity and exploring how social norms influence men’s behaviours and attitudes.
Through sharing personal stories about manhood, fatherhood, violence, healing, and the ongoing effects of colonisation, these men have shaped Nurturing the Spirit – a series of eight workshops designed to engage Aboriginal men in reflecting on healthy masculinity and positive change.
To ensure women’s views were included, Ngunytju Tjitji Pirni Aboriginal Corporation (NTP) consulted with Aboriginal women in Kalgoorlie about the impacts of violence, and about healing from violence.
What Are the Workshops About?
• Building a better future for families and communities
• Having tough but necessary conversations
• How colonisation contributes to family and domestic violence
• Harmful stereotypes about men and how to challenge them
• Healing, vulnerability, and strength
Who Are the Workshops For?
• All Aboriginal men who want to reflect on being a man and create positive change.
• Men who are ready to listen and share in a respectful space.
• The workshops are not designed for men who have used violence—but they can still attend.
• The goal is to help men become role models for their families and communities.
How Do the Workshops Run?
• Each session lasts 1.5 to 2 hours.
• They’re informal, with plenty of time for open discussion and yarning.
• The eight workshops tell a bigger story about colonisation, violence, and healing—but each one stands alone, so men can join anytime.
Who Should Lead the Workshops?
• Aboriginal men should facilitate, ideally two facilitators for each session.
• Facilitators need to create a safe, respectful space for tough conversations.
• Since some topics are sensitive, facilitators should understand trauma and creating trauma-informed spaces.
For further information about this project or if you would like to deliver these workshops in your community, please contact:
Ella Ailenei
CEO, DVassist
Email: ceo@dvassist.org.au
Phone: 0484 267 986
