Jeffery Amatto, a Wiradjuri man from Wellington, NSW, grew up on the Nanima mission where his culture was alive and a part of my life. Despite the challenges of disconnection due to substance abuse, Jeff found his way back to his roots through a cultural-based rehab. Today, he stands as a testament to the power of cultural healing, with nearly 14 years of sobriety.
His speaking work spans across Australia, where he has traveled over 300,000 kilometers, conducting workshops and speaking engagements that share his story of healing as an Indigenous man. His efforts have not gone unnoticed, as he has been honored with several awards, including the 2017 National Dreamtime Community Person of the Year and the 2019 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander TAFE Student of the Year and the 2019 GILI AWARDS Achievement award.
Jeff's advocacy for cultural rehabilitation over incarceration has reached the ears of magistrates, police, parole officers, local, state and federal politicians and government representatives and numerous organizations, making him a strong voice for change. His commitment to his cause and his community is unwavering, as he continues to inspire and empower individuals through his personal narrative and deep-seated belief in the transformative power of culture and respect.
Jeff’s speaking engagements have a profound impact and the legacy he is building through his dedication to healing and community empowerment. His story is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the importance of cultural connection.
ADVOCACY & CONSULTING
Our services
PROGRAMS
PUBLIC SPEAKING
Jeff is a passionate advocator for cultural based rehabilitation. He has fundraised to have grass roots campaigns started and sustained. He has developed a profile and used his voice and lived experience to sway decisions, garner support and bring powerful partners towards agreement and action. Jeff knows only too well that nothing changes between going in and coming out so reoffence is highly likely. He offers his services to help advocate for change and partner with those in positions of influence.
The 4 programs in Wellington are holistic, grassroots, cultural community place based. We prioritize cultural healing, community connections and early intervention. The approach using Aboriginal led and run solutions with community partnerships and adding holistic family support services has seen positive results around substance misuse and related issues at their root course.
Programs work towards:
· Early intervention via school-based programs, Darrambal
· Youth programs via the Night Program, Wiradjuri Binjang
· Mens’ Social Emotional Well Bening via the Yindyamarra Healing Mens group
· Community transition from incarceration via Pre Release
· Our new pre-employment, training and employment, Yindyamarra Landcare, a social enterprise at economic independence and self-determination via lawnmowing, land care and maintenance solutions
Project Components
Aboriginal elders and mentors provide guidance, cultural learning and positive role models in conjunction with professional support via referrals
Regular camps and cultural activities to strengthen identity, SEWB and reduce risk factors for substance abuse
Partnerships with schools, youth services and Aboriginal organisations to provide education, early intervention and alternative pathways
Culturally safe job readiness program creating economic security and resilience