17th Reintegration Puzzle Conference

Rydges World Square, Sydney
19th-21st June 2024

Stepping Up

BAIL (Be An Indigenous Leader) – Integrating Fitness, Mentoring, and Cultural Connection in Youth Justice

This presentation introduces BAIL (Be An Indigenous Leader), a transformative youth justice program in Mount Isa, co-facilitated by Benjamin Knight and Brodie Germaine. Targeting over-represented Indigenous youth in the justice system, BAIL merges physical fitness, mentoring, and 'camping on country' for deep cultural connections. The program's holistic approach addresses the collateral consequences of youth incarceration by fostering resilience, cultural pride, and community engagement. It exemplifies a community response that steps up to support young people through meaningful cultural reintegration and physical empowerment. By sharing the successes and challenges of BAIL, we aim to contribute to the discourse on systemic change in youth justice, emphasiing the importance of cultural grounding and physical well-being in rehabilitating young offenders. This presentation will explore the program's impact on participants, community, and the broader justice system, offering insights into effective strategies for engaging and supporting Indigenous youth.

Presenters

Benjamin Knight Co-founder, A Curious Tractor

In my journey, I’ve engaged deeply with social justice, including confronting the challenges within South American prisons. These experiences have been pivotal, enhancing my advocacy for reform. Back in Australia, I’ve been involved in various youth justice projects, notably supporting the rollout of www.yjustice.org. This work aims to empower young individuals and drive systemic change within the youth justice sector, leveraging my background to foster meaningful impacts across communities.

My work extends to the Queensland lower gulf, where I’ve run addiction and family violence programs, and reviewed these initiatives across Queensland with various remote community leaders. My academic pursuit, completing my Honours year in Criminology, focused on the reintegration of individuals from prison into remote communities, underscoring my dedication to understanding and mitigating the complexities of justice and rehabilitation in diverse settings.

In addition to my core experiences, I’ve supported advocacy for children in care with the QFCC, enhancing their rights and well-being. At Orange Sky Australia, I played a key role in building the brand and communications team, focusing on sharing authentic and impactful stories of individuals facing hardships. These experiences have furthered my commitment to driving meaningful change and highlighting the stories that truly matter.

For more details, visit my bio on A Curious Tractor at https://act-revised-site.webflow.io/bens-bio

Brodie Germaine Founder, Brodie Germaine Fitness

Brodie Germaine, a proud Pita Pita Waka’i man, has profoundly impacted his community in Mount Isa, situated on Kalkadoon country. With a life deeply rooted in the cultural and social fabric of his Indigenous heritage, Brodie has dedicated his career to fostering well-being, education, and employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth. Born and raised in this vibrant community, his journey from a young boy in Mount Isa to a respected community leader and entrepreneur is a testament to his resilience, passion, and commitment to his people.

Brodie’s educational journey took him to Ignatius Park College in Townsville, where he honed his skills and interests, particularly in sports. However, his true calling lay in giving back to his community, leading him back to Mount Isa. His professional life began with significant roles in the Aboriginal medical service sector, eventually steering towards his passion for physical health and cultural education. This transition marked the inception of Brodie Germaine Fitness, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at integrating physical wellness with cultural awareness and preservation.

Brodie Germaine Fitness offers Indigenous young people pathways to connect with their heritage, land, and community through physical activity, cultural camps, and educational programs. He actively participates in dialogues and programs that target youth engagement, cultural exchange, and cross-community understanding, focusing on holistic well-being that combines physical health with cultural and spiritual enrichment.

Brodie’s dedication to his community’s well-being and cultural integrity makes him a beacon of hope and progress in the Indigenous and wider Australian society.

Major Sponsor

Minor Sponsor