Jilbi Coming Together

The Jilbi – meaning Old Man – is an initiative of Aboriginal prisoners from all parts of our country, including Tasmania. Our goal is to encourage Aboriginal men over 55 to get together regularly. We are fortunate to have octogenarians who represent true strength and dignity. They often have dealt with hopeless conditions and impossible circumstances.

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The purpose of group meetings is to increase mental strength, empower self-help and self-determination and encourage our older brothers to reach out to each other for support. We never forget the tremendous burden that many are dealing with, including lengthy sentences and potentially never getting out.

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Initially, we shared breakfast together, that being the best-loved and classic eggs and bacon. This was all funded by us. Before long, we developed our yarning circle as well. We have utilised the time and space for passionate discussions around relevant issues inside and outside – for instance, welfare, wellbeing and our younger Aboriginal brothers here in this facility and their situations.

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Some outside considerations focused on our identity issues and connection to country and kin. Our big concern has centralised largely on better cultural connections that will increase our skills necessary to cope with life here and on release.

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Jilbi have lived experience and deep awareness regarding systemic neglect. As well as that, we symbolise the largest incarcerated culture in Australia and potentially the world. Our fundamental health issue here arises from the lack of nutritionally rich foods and far too much confectionery as a poor substitute. The other major failing is family support and connection to mob, particularly for the older fellas who have endured many years of incarceration and lost all their relations.

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This is an exciting initiative, and, as older Aboriginal men, we are genuinely committed to this. We understand suffering and great loss.

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With our experience, we anticipate our misfortune and newly learnt strengths will empower, encourage and transform Aboriginal men in new directions towards better lives inside and support better release outcomes.