Strength in unity. Culture connects us all.
Kunjur First Nations Men's Collective was created in response to the rising rates of suicide among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men. We aim to end the suffering in silence.
Meet the totems
Six animals guide our story — you'll see them across the site marking different kinds of work.
Goanna
Country & connection
Kangaroo
Movement & momentum
Emu
Family & fatherhood
Snake
Healing & wellbeing
Bara (turtle)
Slow yarn & Elders
Eel
Waterways & giving back
Our Future, Our Way
"Our Future Our Way" is a commitment to a future crafted by the hands of our community — where cultural integrity, family bonds and collective wellbeing are the cornerstones of progress. It is a promise to empower the next generation to shape a future that is authentically theirs: full of opportunity, strength and cultural pride.
Our Story
Kunjur was born from loss. After founder Bernard Sabadi lost his brother Kawanji to suicide — followed by his uncle and other young men in community — he knew he had to act. "This was too much loss for our community in such a short time. I knew I needed to act; this is where Kunjur First Nations Men's Collective was born."
Bernard used his networks to find a venue and his own family's funds to keep tea, coffee and dinners on the table — a draw card for men to attend. He built a grassroots men's support group where the men build it and take ownership of it: a space where First Nations men feel safe to be themselves. As reputation and outcomes grew, so did the demand. In 2022, Kunjur formalised its partnership with DIYDG.
Our Vision
A future where every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander man is connected, strong in culture, and supported by his community — where no brother walks alone, and our men can heal their mind, body and spirit for positive growth.
Our Purpose
Our main focus is cultural healing and personal development. We do this by building resilience and empowering our spirit. By creating safe spaces for self-expression, our mind, body and spirit are empowered — and the suffering in silence comes to an end.
Our Key Focus
Brotherhood
A safe, supported space for men to come together and build a positive support system.
Culture
Cultural healing through Country, ceremony, storytelling and the wisdom of Elders.
Family
When our men stand strong, our families thrive and our children see joy and wisdom.
Respect
We honour Elders, culture and every man's story — men supporting men without judgment.
Our Way of Healing
Culturally sensitive, community-centred deliverables that meet our men where they are.
Case Management
Intake & referrals, care team meetings, counselling support and the Better Man Plan.
Rise Up Training
Cultural group activities that build resilience and empower mind, body and spirit.
Cultural Connections
On-Country experiences, artefact making, bush food, language and dance.
Community Engagement
Community events, pop-ups, men's radio, feastings and gatherings for men and families.
Yarning Sessions
Weekly evening yarning circles — a lifeline where men express themselves safely.