The theme for the gathering is: FROM CONQUERORS TO CUSTODIANS - LEARNING TO TREAD LIGHTLY
In childhood an inborn sense of awe and wonder makes us sensitive to the mysteries of the natural world. Many of us loose this awareness in adulthood as we pursue goals to conquer and possess. We can slip into the dangerous conceit that we are separate from and 'above' the rest of nature
Yet invariably, as time passes, we find ourselves asking questions about life's meaning and purpose and seeking ways back to the greater reality to which we all belong.
The theme of this year’s gathering invites men to reflect at a personal level upon identity, meaning and belonging.
Can those of us who are settlers and migrants, defined by habit and diverse cultural influences, uncover and experience innate connections with others and with our true nature through a kinship with this country, its indigenous occupants and its animals, birds and plants? And if so how and under what conditions?
The Gathering will provide an opportunity for us to rekindle our sense of awe and wonder through connecting with each other, exploring our shared affinity with the land and identifying ways to promote healing and reconciliation.
Why you should be there …
People who’ve never been to a men’s gathering expect to see a whole lot of drumming and chest-beating, interrupted only by guys crying about their absent fathers. But the stereotype falls a long way short of describing how great men’s gatherings really are. We laugh more than we cry. We share stories of hope and love as much as grief or despair. And while some guys like to jam or dance, plenty of others prefer to sit among the trees and just hang out. Whether you're an 'elder', middle aged, adult, young adult or youth, there’s a place for you, wherever you are on that journey.
Bring a friend, your son, your nephew, your dad … or just come by yourself. We’d love to see you there.
Workshops, activities and themes
The Program aims to produce visionary, balanced, sensual, connected, healthy, adventurous, natural, courageous and whole men who will be better men for a better world.
Guest Presenters
Click here to see details of some of the presenters.
This year we are very excited to have attracted two contributors that will make the Gathering rich with culture, magic and magnificence:
Ranald Allan.
Ranald Allan is a writer and director for Film and Television. He wrote the feature film “The Crossing” where Russell Crowe’s character encounters an Aboriginal community. He co-wrote the feature film “Deadly” and also worked on the film script of “Bran Nue Day”.
Ranald researched and wrote a mini series on Kalkadoon tribe of Mt. Isa area and made a documentary on a Tasmanian aboriginal woman. He works as an independent writer and with the Australian Film commission as a script assessor.
He is a co-founder and Trustee of Pathways Foundation which runs contemporary rites of passage programmes for teenage boys and girls, and co-founder of the annual Tasmanian Men’s Gathering.
Ranald together with his wife spent a decade living with Aboriginals in Alawa and Yongu country in the Northern Territory and later worked at the University of Sydney training Aboriginal teaching assistants and co-creating Aboriginal studies programmes for schools.
Ranald is an experienced facilitator and public speaker and will bring to us the magnificent concept of the custodians’ part of this year’s Gathering theme.
(see Ranald's personal statement)
Noel Nannup
Noel, an Aboriginal elder and holder of a State/Territory Award Certificate for his role in promoting Aboriginal culture in the community through his experience in managing and conserving areas with strong links to aboriginal culture such as Geekie Gorge National Park, Millstream Chichester National Park.
Noel is employed as senior Aboriginal heritage officer with the Conservation and Land Management (CALM). In Noel’s work with CALM have included mapping of ancient dreaming trails, Wagin Aboriginal Reserve Cultural Museum, Aboriginal component of Narrogin Heritage Park and recording the oral history of Aboriginal culture in Dryandra area.
Noel has been and is part of the reconciliation process which he feels the issue needs to be promoted more. He has worked with numerous groups of people in the reconciliation process. Noel has found that one of the issues that concern people is the fact that many feel guilty about what happened to Aboriginal people in the past. He makes a concerted effort to people they cannot be held responsible for what happened in the past but are however, directly responsible for the future.
Noel has a mens group, and continues to play an active and leading role in reconciliation.
Noel will bring to this year’s Gathering a wealth of Aboriginal culture which will be a lifetime experience.
Noel is the custodian of some wonderful Nyoongar dreamtime stories. 'When the Sea Level Rose' and 'The Carers of Everything' are available on CDs. To obtain copies of this, contact the Swan Catchment Council:
PO Box 2206
Midland WA 6936
Tel: (08) 9374 3333
Email: saicc@environment.wa.org.au
What you get:
· Full accommodation
· All meals and good food
· All workshops and activities
· Fun and laughter
· Challenges and affirmations
· The company of good men
· Mateship and sharing
· Ceremony and ritual
· Creativity, song, movement and dance
· Storytelling
· Bushwalking
Arrival and registration times
Between 5pm and 7pm, Friday 21st November 2008
Evening meal starts at 7pm
Gathering finishes 7pm Sunday, 23rd November 2008
What to bring
Sleeping arrangements are cabin style single bunk beds. Blankets and pillows are provided. It can get cold in the evenings, so bring your own bed linen, sleeping bag or doona.
· Bring something special representing this stage of your life
· Towel and your own bed linen
· Warm and loose comfortable clothing
· Favourite hat and suntan lotion
· Personal toiletries
· Cushion, rug or yoga mat to sit on
· Bathers, frisbee, tennis racquet, footy, etc.
· Musical instruments, if you wish
· A torch might be handy
Please!
Don’t bring any recreational drugs, alcohol or pets.
If you have particular dietary or other requirements, please contact the registrar (click here for details)
or email registrar@mensgatheringwa.org.au
How to get there
The venue is the YAL Camp Simons, off Lady McNess Drive, Roleystone, in the Darling Ranges, southeast of Perth. Travelling along Albany Highway, turn east into Brookton Highway at Kelmscott, travel 6 km then turn right into Croyden Road. After 3 km take Lady McNess Drive (sign says YAL Camp Simon) to your right. The turn off to Camp Simons is right again after 0.6 km. Look for our signs at major turn offs. Click here to take you to Google map.
Personal Promotional Material
A display table will be available in the dining room for men wishing to display material relating to men’s health and well-being. All material must first be presented to the WAMG Committee for approval prior to display. You can email the WAMG committee or the chairman.