Reconnecting men. Restoring purpose. Strengthening community.
A culturally grounded framework, resource collection and implementation guide to strengthen men's social and emotional wellbeing through connection, identity, belonging and purpose.
Connection is the Protection.
The Kunjur First Nations Men's Collective began as a grassroots response to a challenge experienced by many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities — the loss of men to suicide, disconnection and despair.
What started around a fire as men supporting men grew into a movement grounded in cultural authority, community leadership and collective responsibility. Over many years, Kunjur has walked alongside men experiencing grief, loss, trauma, family challenges, substance use, mental health concerns, justice involvement and social isolation.
Throughout this journey, one lesson continued to emerge:
Men heal through relationships.
The Kunjur Kit captures the knowledge, stories, tools and practices developed through this work so that communities can adapt and apply them in ways that honour their own culture, people and place.
We start somewhere different.
Many services ask
"What's wrong with this man?"
Kunjur asks
"What connections have been disrupted?"
The Kunjur Kit is built on Indigenous Relational Ontology, which understands wellbeing through relationships. When these relationships are strengthened, wellbeing grows. When they are disrupted, distress can emerge — and the work of Kunjur is to support reconnection.
Knowing. Being. Doing.
The Kunjur Kit is built upon Indigenous Ways of Knowing, Being and Doing.
Knowing
Understanding a man's story, relationships, strengths, experiences, and cultural connections.
- Who are your people?
- What keeps you strong?
- What has happened in your life?
- What connections matter most?
Being
Restoring identity, dignity, belonging, responsibility, and cultural authority.
- Who are you becoming?
- What roles matter to you?
- How do you want to show up for your family and community?
Doing
Turning knowledge and identity into meaningful action.
- Contribution
- Responsibility
- Leadership
- Cultural participation
- Connection to Country
- Supporting others
Knowing informs Being. Being guides Doing. Doing keeps Knowing alive.
A pathway communities can adapt.
Staying Safe
Creating relational, cultural, emotional and physical safety — trusted people, safe places, cultural practices and practical supports that help men stabilise during difficult times.
Understanding
Building a shared understanding of what has happened. Through yarning and relationship-building, men explore experiences of grief, loss, shame, trauma, disconnection and strength.
Reclaiming Identity
Restoring dignity, belonging, purpose and cultural identity — reconnecting with who they are, where they come from, and the roles they hold within family and community.
Purposeful Action
Supporting meaningful action that strengthens connection — mentoring, cultural activities, education, employment, family responsibilities, leadership, or caring for Country.
Continuity and Custodianship
Healing is not a destination. Men may step forward, step back, and reconnect throughout their journey. Connection remains available without judgement or shame.
Practical resources for community-led healing.
Framework Guide
The principles, philosophy and practical application of Indigenous Relational Case Management.
- Kunjur Kit Framework GuidePDF · Indigenous Relational Case Management
- The Kunjur Pathway PosterPDF · Print-ready A2 poster
Community Resources
Tools, templates, activities and guides that support culturally grounded engagement with men.
- Yarning Circle Facilitation GuidePDF · Step-by-step setup
- Kunjur Mantra CardPDF · Wallet card
Stories & Learning Resources
Real stories and examples that help bring the framework to life.
Documents coming soon.
Training & Capacity Building
Resources that help workers, organisations and community leaders strengthen culturally safe practice.
- Knowing · Being · Doing WorkbookPDF · Practitioner workbook
Implementation Supports
Practical guidance for organisations wanting to adapt the Kunjur approach within their own communities.
- Implementation ChecklistPDF · For organisations
Documents marked with a clip are awaiting upload. Share the files and they'll be linked here for the community to download.
Built to be guided by local cultural authority.
The framework is adaptable and designed to be guided by community governance.
Every community with the tools to support its men — culturally grounded, community-led and strengths-based.
- Men feel connected and valued.
- Culture is recognised as a protective factor.
- Communities are empowered to lead their own solutions.
- No man walks alone.
- Connection continues across generations.
I am strong.
I belong.
I have purpose.
I have responsibilities.
I stand with my brothers.
I honour my Elders.
I walk with culture.
I care for my family.
I care for my community.
I am Kunjur.
Join the movement.
The Kunjur Kit is more than a framework. It is an invitation to reconnect, strengthen community, and create spaces where men can heal, grow and thrive. Together, we can ensure that no man walks alone.
If you or someone you know needs support now, call 13YARN on 13 92 76 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Yarn it out, brother
13YARN — Our Story, Our Healing
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support line. Free, confidential, 24/7. Yarn with a Lifeline-trained mob member.