A Townsville church is helping to develop the next generation of Indigenous Australian leaders with support from Carinity.
Shalom Family church has a community of around 75 people and 10 families, predominantly from First Nations backgrounds.
Pastor Andy and Emma Bollom said the church began in 2021 "with a heart to walk alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families" and "see their faith, voices and dreams flourish".
As part of this vision, the church runs The Mentoring Project. The program mentors 20 First Nations youth who are disadvantaged, socially isolated, suffering from financial hardship, or have experienced family violence.
Funded by Carinity's Collaborative Community Projects, the cultural and faith-based program provides mentoring, employment opportunities, and self- development activities for the young people.
"By developing the core group, they will grow in their identity, culture, and leadership within their families and social groups, providing a broader positive impact for the community," Andy said.
The participants, aged between 10 and 17 years, attend a youth weekend camp each school term that provides faith development and new cultural experiences.
"So far, we have swum in and explored Alligator Creek, hiked, hunted on Nywaigi country near Ingham. We foraged through mangroves and cooked our catch on hot coals," Andy said.
"In November we learned how to find and harvest ochre on local Nywaigi Rainforest Country. Learning on country, and before our creator, is essential for faith and cultural identity formation.
"In December we had a five- day road trip north to Yarrabah Aboriginal Community to serve the community, listen and learn, and be a part of their Christmas event."
The Mentoring Project was inspired by two influential men: Jesus Christ and land rights activist, Eddie 'Koiki' Mabo.
Andy hopes The Mentoring Project participants might follow the path of Mabo, who he described as "iconic to Australia, particularly Townsville and North Queensland".
"He was one man who overcame much adversity yet changed the landscape of our nation for First Nations peoples," Andy said.
"If one man can change part of the nation, we are aiming to walk alongside 20 young men and women who could contribute to further healing and transformation for our country."
