A new program is empowering Aborigines to build relationships with police and make health lifestyle choices.
The Gunditjmara Men’s Group, whom Gundidj Aboriginal co-op and Victoria Police recently held a health and positive partnership session.
Former Warrnambool boxer Clayton Collyer spoke to about 15 community members about his career and making negatives into positives. Mr Collyer spoke about healthy lifestyle choices and how to juggle work and professional fitness. He also held a boxing and kickboxing session.
Warrnambool Police Aboriginal community liaison officer Allan Miller said the session had been a big success.
Mr Miller said it was important to build relationships between police and members of the district’s Aboriginal community. “A lot of the men have a lack of self-esteem for various reasons or have drug and alcohol problems, “ he said
“It’s about empowering them and helping them to move on with their life.”
Mr Miller said Gunditjmara men’s health worker DJ Chatfield had been instrumental in starting the men’s group.
He said the program also aimed to bridge the life expectancy gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
Currently the life expectancy for Indigenous Australians is 17 years less than that of non-Indigenous Australians.

Story by Monique Patterson

The Extra Wednesday June 11 2008-3