Published on Friday, 15 May 2026 at 3:15:44 PM
Yura Yungi SEWB 2026 Men’s Camp Brings Men Together Through Culture, Healing and Connection
Yura Yungi Medical Service’s Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) team recently held its 2026 Annual Men’s Camp at Chinaman’s Garden Community, bringing together 21 participants for three days of connection, culture, healing and learning under this year’s theme, “Together We Grow, Together We Heal.”
The camp began on Tuesday 5 May, with participants travelling from Halls Creek to the campgrounds located north of town. After setting up camp together, the group gathered for introductions, camp guidelines and a warm Welcome and Smoking Ceremony led by Traditional Owners. The first afternoon included cultural activities facilitated by Nathan Thomas (Kija), followed by dinner and storytelling around the campfire where men shared informal yarns about mental health, wellbeing and culture.
Throughout the camp, participants took part in a range of activities designed to strengthen cultural identity, build confidence and encourage connection between men in a safe and supportive environment. One of the major highlights was the on-Country cultural workshops facilitated by Trevor Menmuir, who guided participants through traditional boomerang making, spear making and spear throwing activities. Men also enjoyed carving boab nuts, on-Country hunting experiences and sharing fresh bush turkey together for lunch.
Wednesday’s program focused on health, wellbeing and practical life skills, beginning with group icebreaker activities before moving into a series of presentations and yarning sessions. Representatives from a number of organisations joined the camp to share important information and support discussions around men’s health and wellbeing.
Yura Yungi SEWB would like to acknowledge and thank Ovahs TIS, the WA Kimberley Police Force, and the men from the Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services (KAMS) SEWB Unit for taking the time to attend and contribute to the camp. Discussions covered a range of important topics including smoking cessation, social and emotional wellbeing, financial wellbeing, domestic violence, restraining orders and healthy lifestyles. Jungarni representatives also delivered sessions around financial management, helping provide participants with practical information to support themselves and their families.
Evenings at camp provided some of the most meaningful moments, with men gathering around the campfire to yarn, reflect and connect in a relaxed environment away from the pressures of town life. These informal conversations created opportunities for participants to support one another, share stories and strengthen friendships.
The camp concluded on Thursday morning with a campfire counselling session before the group packed up and returned to Halls Creek.
Participants spoke positively about the experience and the importance of creating spaces where men can reconnect with culture, spend time on Country and support one another.
“The camp was really good. It was good to see men doing old things; making boomerangs, carving boab nuts. Great place to spend some time. We should do it more often.”
Eric, SEWB Member
“The camp was really good. Plenty to eat, good tucker. I liked the boomerangs and the boab nuts, teaching us how. A good place to go, to get out of town for a while. Peaceful. Men getting to know each other.”
Aaron, SEWB Member
Yura Yungi Medical Service would like to thank all participants, presenters, Traditional Owners and supporting organisations who helped make this year’s Men’s Camp a success. Camps like these continue to play an important role in strengthening social and emotional wellbeing through culture, connection, learning and healing. We look forward to doing it all again in 2027!
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