News
Codes 4 Life set to reach more men and boys after licensing agreement
Michael Liddle first came up with the idea for the Codes 4 Life workshops about 10 years ago, and ever since, they’ve been helping Indigenous men and boys in the NT find a healthier path.
The program aims to educate and empower First Nations men. It provides culturally appropriate guidance to support them to navigate the challenges of modern life, reconnecting them with their culture, communities, and families.
Men attending Codes 4 Life workshops are encouraged by their elders, leaders, and peers to find new purpose, setting them on new pathways and away from the unacceptable behaviour exacerbated by alcohol and substance abuse. The workshops provide a safe space for men to open up about experiences of family and domestic violence and other related issues that they may not have had the chance to talk about elsewhere.
In April this year, here at Desert Knowledge Australia, we’ve signed a licencing agreement with program founder Michael Liddle, which will allow the program to grow, and impact even more lives. It means other team members will now be able to deliver workshops, opening up the possibility of delivering more, and in more locations.
“It gives these fellas an opportunity to step up,” Michael said, referring to other members of the Codes 4 Life team: Micha, Dallas, Martin, Josef. “We have a moral obligation to keep the fidelity of the program and maintain its focus around elders and identity – that’s what it’s got to be focused on. And I’m really happy we’ve come to an agreement.”
The agreement was signed at Desert Knowledge Australia by Michael Liddle and CEO Jimmy Cocking, with the wider team joining for a small celebration.
Program Manager Dr Lisa Watts said: “It’s important Michael’s idea is protected, and this is one way of protecting it. As he said earlier today, he can’t do everything. He needs a team to help grow it, while still providing instruction and direction.”
We’re now in the process of training up more of our staff to become facilitators. The next Codes 4 Life workshops will take place in Tenant Creek later this month.