Our stories

When Mike started Belonging to Family, he was unsure of where it would lead him. However, in the weeks that followed, his confidence grew, and he finished the course with a newfound sense of direction and a desire to help other dads. 

Mike*, an Aboriginal dad in custody at the Mid-North Coast Correctional Centre, immediately stood out to our team because of his positive attitude and respectful manner.

During program sessions, Mike quickly became a role model to the other dads in the group, opening up about wanting to break a cycle of incarceration and become a reliable and present dad for his daughter.

He spoke about challenges he’d faced, including homelessness, family separation, drugs and alcohol.

He has said that participating in the program improved his confidence and self-belief, and being seen by others as a leader is encouraging him to take on the task of rebuilding his life when he was released.

Belonging to Family is a throughcare program, and our team will support Mike in the next stage of his life as he returns to the community.

Our team and Mike are working closely to connect him with community services and his family on the outside and support his goal of steady employment.

“He has spoken about getting his driver’s licence and a job when released and is looking positively to the future,” said our team.

Stepping up as a leader

After completing the program, our team noticed how respected Mike was by others in custody at the centre and approached him to see if he’d like to be a mentor during the next group of Belonging To Family.

He happily agreed and has been a tremendous asset to the program, guiding others through the content.

Our team says, “Having watched Mike as both participant and mentor, I have seen a remarkable change in his behaviour.

“It’s been a privilege to hear his story of hardship … and how he is tired of a life of crime, drugs, and alcohol and is ready for change.

“He told me that he loved being part of the program and helping the boys and would like to continue helping others while still in custody, either by listening or assisting them create their own story through art.

“It was a pleasure to watch him work unassisted to support others to comprehend questions in the program and help them draw on their own life story to answer.”

With his release coming soon, our team knows he will do well and feels confident that Mike is wrapped in support from them and the community.

Mike has leaned on and learnt much from the Elders who volunteer and mentor Belonging to Family participants, and they are happy to guide him as he moves into this next happy chapter in his story.

*Names and images changed to protect participant privacy. 

Thank you to the National Indigenous Australians Agency for supporting this program.