In late August, over two days on Kariyarra Country at Yule River, something powerful took shape. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men from across the Pilbara were invited to stand together, connect with Country, and share stories and knowledge – sparking a movement for Men’s Health.
Henry Lockyer, PAHA Health Project Manager and Secretary of the PAHPF Men’s Health Subcommittee, says “becoming empowered, self-determined Men of the Pilbara requires space – space to speak, to be heard, and to define our own priorities.” The inaugural Men’s On Country Health and Reconnection Exchange 2025 (Men’s OCHRE) created exactly that. Grounded in culture and connection, it was a place where men could share openly, learn from one another and begin shaping their own pathways to health, healing, and strength.
This gathering also provided a rare opportunity for service providers to sit alongside men and listen deeply to lived experiences that are too often unseen. For many, it was eye-opening, a moment that shifted understanding and opened the door to working differently, together.
Elders leading, young men growing
At its heart, the Exchange was about presence – being seen, being heard and supporting one another. For young men discovering what it means to walk in culture, it offered guidance without judgement. For Elders, it was a space to share wisdom and inspire the next generation. And for everyone, it was a reminder that leadership, healing and empowerment grow together through culture, in community and on Country – guided by knowledge, strengthened by connection and grounded in place.
Healing on Country
Healing wove its way through the Exchange in many forms. It was in the yarning circles, where lived experiences were spoken with courage and received with respect. It was in quiet moments on the riverbank, as men stood on Country, allowing their spirit to be connected with ngurra. It was in the simple act of being present – listening, supporting and drawing strength from one another.
For too long, grief, trauma, and loss have pressed heavily on our communities, leaving little time for men to heal. The Exchange offered a rare pause – a chance to breathe, to share, and to begin the long process of restoring strength. Mr. Richard Ansey, Chair of Mawarnkarra Health Service, reflected, “for me, I’m dealing with grief. I know another young fella here, he’s the same. So, these kinds of events, when you’re amongst elders and you’ve got different people to talk to, it helps when you’re grieving.”
Sharing stories, shaping action
The Exchange focused on looking forward. Strength-based and solution-focused, it gave men the chance to define their own needs and priorities while giving service providers the opportunity to listen, learn and better understand how services can support the community. Mr. Thomas Saylor of Mawarnkarra Health Service reflected that seeing health professionals outside their usual roles on Country helped break down barriers and created a space for men to open up.
Together, Elders, community members, and service providers left with a deeper understanding of the change possible when men’s voices lead the way and services walk alongside the community.
Carrying strength forward
Men’s OCHRE is the beginning of something much bigger. It is a movement driven by men stepping into their strength, knowing that healthy men support healthy families, and healthy families build strong communities.
It is about more than men’s health. It is about identity, leadership, healing and empowerment. It is about men reclaiming their roles – for themselves, for their women, children, Elders and the generations yet to come.
As Kariyarra Elder, Mr. A Barker reminded us as he shared his own life’s experiences, “You got it in you, you can change your life.”
Keeping the movement alive
The 2025 Exchange may have ended, but the work continues. The stories, actions and connections formed at Yule River are seeds of a larger movement across the Pilbara – one of empowerment, self-determination and cultural strength.
Without intentional spaces where men’s health and wellbeing are prioritised, our communities will continue to face the all too familiar gaps in health, education, economic participation and life expectancy. With so much opportunity for change, it is critical we act now to maintain and build on the momentum of this regional men’s health movement, grounded in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge, narrative and leadership.
We invite partners, funders and supporters to walk alongside us in ensuring that the Men’s OCHRE continues beyond this first gathering. By making it a regular commitment, we can sustain a space where men come together to lead, heal and strengthen their communities.
To access the full gallery of images from the 2025 Men’s on Country Health and Reconnection Exchange visit the link below.
Acknowledgements
This movement was only possible because of the many partners, funders, and supporters who walked alongside us. Their commitment ensured the Exchange was not just an event, but a shared effort to strengthen men, families, and communities across the Pilbara.
Hosted by: Pilbara Aboriginal Health Planning Forum (PAHPF), led by the PAHPF Men’s Health Subcommittee.
Proudly funded by: National Indigenous Australians Agency and Chevron.
In partnership with: Mawarnkarra Health Service, Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service, Wirraka Maya Health Service Aboriginal Corporation, Pilbara Aboriginal Health Alliance (PAHA), Rural Health West, WA Country Health Service, Gumala Aboriginal Corporation, and Roebourne Men’s Group.
With in-kind support from: Ashburton Aboriginal Corporation, Julyardi Aboriginal Corporation, Fortescue, North West Waste Alliance, Nyamal Rangers, Aboriginal Health Council of WA, MacKillop Family Services, IBN Corporation, BHP and PAHA.
Community organisation attendees: Bloodwood Tree Association, Communicare, Yaandina Turner River Program, Yaandina Aged Care, Mingalatharndoo (5 Mile Community), Talent Pool, Royal Life Saving – Australia, North Regional TAFE, and Rio Tinto
