Program shows alternatives to violence

A huge barrier has been broken in the campaign against violence after a groundbreaking conflict resolution program took place in a remote Kimberley community.

A local group from the Alternatives to Violence/Peaceful Pathways program (AVP) WA visited Beagle Bay last week to deliver workshops on resolving conflict creatively after a request was made by the Beagle Bay night patrol group.

Since it was established in Broome a year ago, members from local organisations trained to become facilitators for the program – a network of independent, not-for-profit volunteer groups – and carried out workshops at Broome Regional Prison.

Twelve months on, the group has now set its sights on conducting structured workshops with people in remote communities.

Last week, six participants attended the two-day activity based workshops, which demonstrated ways to resolve conflict and examined the positive outcomes of non-violence.

The visit also gave participants an opportunity to consider training as a facilitator in the near future in order to share knowledge in their community.

Beagle Bay participant Will Smith said he found the experience enlightening and hoped to become a member in the future.

“It was something I’d never experienced before,” he said. “It was most helpful and I gained a lot of understanding on how to present myself and how to deal with conflict. I hope to be a mentor one day, and try to help the young ones.”

Broome facilitator Joe Tighe from Men’s Outreach Service described the visit as “groundbreaking” and said it was very rewarding for both parties.

“It’s a big step forward,” he said. “AVP Broome would like to congratulate Beagle Bay for showing … leadership in bringing this workshop to the community.

“One of the philosophies of AVP is we’re all learners and teachers, and it’s about building relationships in the future.”