Ngaimpe Aboriginal Corporation and The Glen
In 1994 Ngaimpe Aboriginal Corporation was registered and since that date has been an example of the triumph of the Koori Spirit and how we can make our dreams come true.
The founding motivation for Ngaimpe was the suffering of our people especially in the Justice System. For some time it had been the concern of our organization and of other Aboriginal organizations on the Central Coast , that the continuing effects of colonization on Indigenous people are being seen in three areas in particular:
Significant over representation of Indigenous Australians in the Prison system and in criminal justice generally
- Hazardous levels of use of alcohol and other substances by Indigenous Australians
- Lower levels of participation in education and employment by Indigenous Australians compared to the general population
The plan was to break the chains and free our people from disadvantage and oppression. They had to be in charge of their own lives. Free from addiction, free from violence and free from fear.
It was decided to bring life back into a disused and run down property at Chittaway Point on the Central Coast near Wyong. Here would be set up a holistic rehabilitation centre for men suffering from alcohol or other addictive drugs. The site was ideal as it contained 40 acres of beautiful land. Land the source of our life and our sacred relationships. Land, that makes an ideal setting for true healing and reconciliation, to take place.
At the Glen we enable men who have lost control of their lives through substance abuse to heal themselves and regain their dignity and self-esteem in a holistic way. The whole person, mentally, physically and spiritually is targeted.
Our program is based on indigenous values and spirituality, group work, counseling, outdoors work and outside agencies.
The program allows the client to make personal life changes in the context of their culture and family in a time frame appropriate to their needs and if necessary includes time at our half-way house.
The Glen is situated on 40 acres at Chittaway Point on the Central Coast of NSW. The farm there runs cattle, horses, poultry and includes market gardening. There is a staff of 8, coordinated by Vince Coyte for 20 clients. The program runs three months and last year 171 men went through the course.
The program consists of group work, farm work, TAFE courses, programs by the Department of Fair Trading and attendance at meetings in the local Central Coast Community. Many non-aboriginal men have gained a lot from the program.
We now have a 16 bed annexe at Rothbury in the Hunter region.
At The Glen we reach out to all men suffering from addiction and provide our services to any one regardless any race or background. We are proud that Australians of European, Asian, Middle Eastern , Pacific Islander and Maoris background have joined Indigenous men in a journey towards healing and self fulfillment.
