Community & Business
10 November, 2022
Culture camps seek support
INDIGENOUS leader Joseph Callope is appealing to the Mareeba community to donate basic supplies and equipment to help him run his successful and well attended men’s and youth group outings.
The Wakaman tribe man established Bungaru Aboriginal Corporation several years ago and has been running camps for indigenous people to help them reconnect with their culture and provide on country rehabilitation opportunities.
Joseph previously suffered with alcohol addiction himself and decided to break the generational cycle and give local indigenous people an opportunity to learn and heal on country.
He is appealing for donations that will go towards running the camps, items such as tooth brushes, tooth paste, soap, sunscreen, sanity items for ladies and more.
He is also looking for sleeping items such as sleeping bags, pillows, blankets and swags among other items.
Stationary equipment would not go astray as many of the youth that attend his camps communicate in different ways.
“These simple items allow the youth in the camp to draw and write which is a huge expression of their thoughts, feelings and emotions,” Joseph said.
“We all have different ways of communicating.
“If you cannot help in these ways, a good feed at night-time or a biscuit and a cuppa also go a long way.
“We all know the best yarns are around the fire with a snack, and a soft drink or some soup.”
For more information and to donate any items, ring Joseph on 0457 593 237.
Joseph is also organising a day at Mooraridgi Park in Mareeba on 26 November where he will present videos and photos of his camps and the stories of people who are seeking rehabilitation on country.
