In Australia, community leader speaks about rehabilitation after alcohol-related problems
In Australia, Western Arrernte representative Tim Tyepurrula McNamara spoke about his rehabilitation journey after alcohol-related problems. He is now a mentor to boys and men in the Hermannsburg/Ntaria community, ABC News Australia reports.
McNamara describes himself as a community leader, culture bearer and storyteller. He passes on traditional knowledge, including teaching people how to make spears and boomerangs, and also works with the Hidden Valley Camp community centre, the Tangentyere men's behaviour change programme and other groups.
Programme ordered by a court
About 10 years ago, a court ordered McNamara to complete a programme at the Central Australian Aboriginal Alcohol Programs Unit (CAAAPU), a drug and alcohol support service in Alice Springs. According to McNamara, he faced serious life difficulties during that period.
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He also said that he repeatedly found himself in alcohol-related problematic situations, including drink-driving and domestic violence. After completing the mandatory programme, McNamara returned to the community, but later voluntarily sought rehabilitation help again. He explained that the decision to change was personal.
Experience for other men
McNamara later returned to CAAAPU to share his experience with other men and show them that change is possible. He links his subsequent path to taking responsibility for his own life, passing knowledge on to younger generations, and maintaining a connection with family and culture.
CAAAPU chief executive Damian Coates called McNamara's story inspiring. According to him, despite considerable attention to substance abuse, domestic violence, crime and health inequality in Australia's Indigenous communities, there are thousands of examples of people overcoming these difficulties.
