Western Arrernte man finds healing through rehabilitation

Tim McNamara, a Western Arrernte man from Hermannsburg in Australia, overcame problems with alcohol and now mentors boys and men in his community.

For about ten years ago, a court ordered McNamara to attend the Central Australian Aboriginal Alcohol Programs Unit (CAAAPU) in Alice Springs after repeated offenses related to alcohol, including drink driving and domestic violence. He completed the program, but later voluntarily returned to CAAAPU when he felt tempted to revert to old habits.

McNamara believes taking responsibility for his actions brought him “freedom” and allowed him to focus on passing on traditional knowledge, like spear and boomerang making, to younger generations. He describes his journey as one of learning and teaching others to understand their responsibilities as Aboriginal men. Demian Coates, chief executive of CAAAPU, noted that while challenges within Indigenous communities often receive attention, stories like McNamara’s demonstrate positive change is possible and can inspire others.

Coates emphasized there are “literally thousands” of people successfully addressing issues like substance abuse and domestic violence. McNamara recently returned to CAAAPU to share his experiences and encourage other men to seek help.