In March 2017, 15 men took part in our first Gathering Men.

We sat by the fire together. Time slowed down. We shared openly & deeply. Listening to & learning from each other. We were truly seen & clearly heard.

The guiding hands of our elders helped show the way. Yet, it was the men themselves that began something special that Autumn gathering.

““..yesterday is history.. tomorrow a mystery... me I live now... for today... & if I’m lucky enough to wake up tomorrow morning... well it’ll be a brand new day...”
— Uncle ‘Ted’ Edward Egan Lovett. Proud Gunditjmara - Djabwurrung Elder, friend & mentor”

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the Land we gather on. Sacred Djaara - Dja-Dja-Wurrung Country. Always was, always will be. On this Land the Djaara people performed age old ceremonies of celebration, initiation & renewal. We honour their living culture & deep connection to Country. Our deep respect to Elders past, present & emerging.

We honour ‘Djandak’ (Country) the sacred land itself & all the ancient Story & Songlines that live here.

We honour ‘Murrup’ (Spirit) alive & well in the water, the birds, plants, animals, earth & rocks.

We honour ‘Martiinga kuli Murup’ (Djaara Ancestral Spirits) & the sacred places that surround & hold us safely. Lalgambook (Mt. Franklin), Larne-ne-barramul (plains of the emu), Larne-ne-barramul Yaluk (sacred waterway), Leanganook (Mt Alexander), Tarrangower (Maldon) & Kooroocheang (Smeaton Hill)