Charlie Rowe is a proud Kamiliaroi man. His grandfather is from Toomelah in northern New South Wales. Charlie grew up and still lives on Jarowir, Giabal and western waka waka traditional lands.
Charlie has worked for many years to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and families through culturally grounded programs. At Carbal Medical Services, he led the Strong Fathers, Strong Families program, helping dads, uncles and grandfathers be healthy role models in their children’s lives. Now at AFLSQ, Charlie leads the Bamba Mari program, meaning “Strong Aboriginal Man” in Kamilaroi language. The program supports men with behaviour change, communication and emotional regulation, and works to break the cycle of domestic and family violence. Since 2016 more than 460 men have been referred through the Murri Court system, and of those who engaged, about 430 have not returned to jail. Charlie also works as an Independent Person to support families in the child safety system, making sure they feel safe and culturally supported.
Charlie brings a wealth of board member experience as I am a director and respected person for Yumbin community justice group (Murri Court), a board member for Toowoomba Together Incorporated, committee member for Bi-Yanga Toowoomba Local Decision-Making Body and I also sit on the NAIDOC committee. I am very passionate about supporting First Nations peoples in this community.
Charlie believes that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have their own journeys to walk strong and be proud of who they and where we come from.
I wanted to be apart of the Murri Court as a respected person so I could contribute to better outcomes for our people. This has a been a remarkable journey for Murri Court and we are if not the best then one of the best Murri courts in this country. This is because Yumbin Community Justice group has worked so hard to assembly the most compassionate and understanding group of people who contribute to the Murri Court process. The judge through to the police prosecutor and even Corrections to the Elders and Respected persons and services providers for referral pathways.
It all works seamlessly for the client.
Why would I want to be apart of this.
“Stay Strong”