Arabic version: تيم مكنمارا يشارك رحلة التعافي من إعادة التأهيل

According to ABC News, Western Arrarnta man Tim Tjupurrula McNamara is sharing his rehabilitation story to encourage other men to make changes in their lives. The Hermannsburg/Ntaria traditional owner describes himself as a leader, cultural man and storyteller, and mentors boys and men in his community.

McNamara passes on traditional knowledge and builds relationships through activities including making spears and boomerangs. He works with the Hidden Valley Camp Community Centre, the Tangentyere Men’s Behaviour Change Program and other groups. “I am the good leader of the community, good leader of my families,” he said.

About 10 years ago, a court ordered McNamara to attend the Central Australian Aboriginal Alcohol Programs Unit, a drug and alcohol support service in Alice Springs. He said he had been struggling and had repeatedly been in trouble for drink driving, domestic violence and other alcohol-related matters. After completing the mandated program and returning to his community, he said friends and family tempted him back down the “wrong roads”.

McNamara chose to return to rehabilitation voluntarily, saying the program helped him learn what he needed in life. He now describes his journey as one towards accountability, ownership and “freedom”, including sharing stories, connection to country and knowledge with others, particularly his grandchildren. He returned to CAAAPU to tell other men that change is possible. CAAAPU chief executive Demian Coates said positive examples such as McNamara’s could be an inspiration and “a catalyst for change.”