The WA Centre for Rural Health (WACRH) and Mullewa community are proud to announce the launch of Binmaga Barndimanmanha Mayu’s Program 2024, a six-month collaborative diversionary prevention initiative to address youth anti-social behaviours in Mullewa.
"Binmaga Barndimanmanha" translates to "fixing up healthy mind" and "Mayu" means "young people/childrenin Wajarri.
This program is a collaboration of Binmaga Cultural Experience (BCE), WACRH, WA Police Force and other local partners.
WACRH Research Fellow Dr. Charmaine Green says, “The program has been codesigned to an identified need by the Mullewa community raising concerns in several community forums on the increase in anti-social behaviours and how to offer positive interactions for youth and young people in Mullewa.”
The program will include four key components – Education, Cultural Experience, Social and Emotional Wellbeing, and Transport.
The educational workshops on responsible decision-making and conflict resolution, will be conducted in collaboration with Geraldton Sporting Aboriginal Corporation and the WA Police Force. These workshops are tailored for boys and girls in culturally safe spaces.
The program’s cultural experience component features a 24-week Yamaji-inspired dance program led by BCE Wajarri/Badimaya dance teacher Preston Wall and Yingarda/Nyul-Nyul choreographer Candice Dia, offering gender-specific sessions to strengthen cultural identity.
Additionally, a partnership with Headspace Geraldton and Geraldton Sporting Aboriginal Corporation provides mental health and wellness support through Safe Yarning sessions and other wellness activities.
To ensure accessibility, a transport service supported by the City of Greater Geraldton and MEEDAC will facilitate safe and reliable access to all program activities.
The Binmaga Barndimanmanha Mayu’s Program aims to offer young people a positive outlet, foster a strong sense of identity, and improve community safety.
By focusing on cultural and recreational activities, the initiative seeks to create lasting change and reduce anti-social behaviour.
For more information, please contact Dr Charmaine Green at the WA Centre for Rural Health on 9956 0200.
Photo caption: Binmaga Yamatji Dance Group YSRC NAIDOC Week performance. Photo credit Gina Jenkin YSRC 2024.