More than 30 people from across the Aboriginal health, mental health and community sectors gathered in Bathurst today to welcome Ngemba man Chris Mason as he continues his 700-kilometre walking journey from Brewarrina to Penrith.
The event was hosted by Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) in partnership with the Wahluu Health Aboriginal Corporation in Kelso.
Held during Mental Health Month, the community BBQ lunch provided an opportunity for local organisations, community members, and health professionals to connect with Chris and hear about the purpose behind his campaign, The Long Walk Home.
Chris, a therapeutic worker at The Glen rehabilitation facility, is walking across New South Wales to raise awareness of Aboriginal mental health and wellbeing, suicide prevention, addiction and trauma recovery, and the importance of connection to family, community, culture, and Country.
Raised by adoptive parents in Penrith, Chris later reconnected with his cultural roots in Brewarrina. He speaks openly about his experiences with addiction, incarceration and poor mental health, and the role cultural connection played in turning his life around.
“A few decades ago, I was going to be just another Blak death in custody,” Chris said.
“I was incarcerated, suicidal and struggling with addiction.
“I remember reading the Bringing Them Home report.
“I found a way out.”
Now 26 years clean and sober, Chris has spent the past 13 years supporting others through his work at The Glen. He has taken five weeks of leave without pay to undertake The Long Walk Home and start conversations across communities about the role culture can play in strengthening mental health and wellbeing.
Throughout his journey, Chris has been sharing a message that connection to culture can be a powerful protective factor for young Aboriginal people, helping to reduce the impacts of trauma, mental ill-health, addiction, and interaction with the justice system.
Speaking to those gathered at Waluu, Chris reflected on his lived experience and the guidance he received from Elders, and grassroots community leaders about the importance of helping young people develop a strong sense of identity and belonging.
The conversations are particularly timely as Australia approaches the 30th anniversary of the release of the Bringing Them Home report next year. Chris said the report remains an important reminder of the long-term impacts of removing Aboriginal children from their families, communities, and culture and why campaigns like this are so important.
WNSW PHN thanks Wahluu Health Aboriginal Corporation for hosting the group for lunch, acknowledged the strong turnout from organisations and community members across the Bathurst region.
The gathering highlighted the importance of community-led conversations about mental health, healing, and cultural connection, and provided an opportunity for the community to support Chris as he continues his journey towards Penrith.
Connection with our communities matters. Through every step of The Long Walk Home, Chris is helping keep that conversation alive.
