Fifty "peacemakers" from remote communities across the Northern Territory have met in Katherine to discuss ways to resolve disputes without using violence.
Key points:
- Representatives from five remote Northern Territory communities have attended a mediation program in Katherine
- NAAJA's principal legal officer says Indigenous leaders need more support to resolve community conflicts
- NT Police data shows Groote Eylandt's peacemaking program is achieving results
The program, run by the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA), brought community leaders together last week from Yuendumu, Galiwin'ku, Wurrumiyanga, Lajamanu, Groote Eylandt and Yirrkala.
Representatives from Ngukurr and Wadeye were unable to attend.
Peacemaker Danny Garrawurra, from the remote community of Galiwin'ku, said he worked with service providers to resolve disputes while maintaining his Yolngu cultural obligations.
"We are facing those problems within family to family, and it really is a struggle for us," he said.
"How can we work together, as humans?"
Data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare showed the rates of hospitalisations of Indigenous Territorians due to assault were the highest in Australia, particularly in disadvantaged remote areas.
Last week, a young man from Wadeye was sentenced to prison for his involvement in a violent riot that left a man dead.
NAAJA's principal legal officer Nick Espie said local mediators required more support and resourcing to prevent family and domestic disputes from escalating.
"There are a lot of people here that have worked very hard in this role that often takes a personal toll," he said.
"They've done this unnoticed, and often without funding and without being paid."
Despite having limited resources, local peacemakers are already driving real change.
One success story is unfolding in Groote Eylandt, where a local program has been underway since 2018.
NT Police data shows the number of offences committed by young people on Groote Eylandt between 2018 and 2019 dropped from 346 to just 17 the following year.
Groote Eylandt peacemaker Roderick Mamarika said his work counselling troubled residents was like untying a fishing knot.
"Sometimes the lines are tangled, and there's a knot there and you need to untie it and make it straight," he said.
"This is what we do, we untie problems from the people in our community."
NAAJA community legal education coordinator Jeannie Peckham said she was hopeful the mediation program would lead to long-lasting outcomes.
"I think the work that the peacemakers are doing has already proven that they can reduce the rate of reoffending in communities," she said.
"We just need to get it up and running a lot more."
Mr Garrawarra said he was optimistic after the gathering with remote community leaders.
"We're the same — we're human," he said.
"We need to work together, and walk together in this unique place, side by side."
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