YSAS Bunjilwarra Cultural Lead Muthi Muthi Elder Uncle Pat Inducted to Coralie Ober Honour Roll

The Coralie Ober Honour Roll recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals who have made a significant contribution, over a considerable period of time to reducing the harmful effects of drug and alcohol use among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It acknowledges and publicly recognises the exceptional effort, which is made by workers who have tirelessly contributed to this sector over a number of years.

Uncle Pat has worked with YSAS and VAHS at Bunjilwarra for the past 5 and a half years. Uncle Pat initially came to Bunjilwarra as an Elder in Residence and after a couple of years he moved into the leadership team. 

At 73 years young Uncle Pat Farrant is the current Cultural Lead and Co-manager of the Bunjilwarra service, responsible for the delivery of culturally safe residential drug and alcohol treatment for young Victorian mob. 

Uncle Pat doesn’t have much time for titles and instead prefers to be recognised for the role he plays in helping Aboriginal youth and their families to make positive changes to their lives. Uncle Pat takes time to listen to the experiences and challenges that young mob face and provides his warm support and wisdom to help them navigate through their struggles. 

Uncle Pat Farrant has worked in the Aboriginal community, legal, health, social and emotional wellbeing and drug and alcohol sectors throughout Victoria for over 40 years. He has been directly involved in the establishment of several innovative approaches to support the Aboriginal community including his work in Shepparton with night patrols, police liaison, sobering up centres, family group homes and outreach services. 

In Melbourne he was active in the very beginnings of the Justice forums leading to the development of the Aboriginal Justice Advisory committees. 

In the past 5 and a half years Uncle Pat has represented Bunjilwarra at state-wide and national conferences and forums including his contribution towards the Healing Foundation Knowledge Circle, presenting at the 2018 National Indigenous Drug and Alcohol Conference and the 2019 APSAD conference held in Hobart, Tasmania.

In his role at Bunjilwarra Uncle Pat welcomes young mob and their families into the service and reinforces the importance of healing. When young mob are struggling with their journey of change Uncle Pat sits with them and helps to guide them through and there is no limit on the time he will offer anyone who is in the grip of addiction, trauma or grief. Families across Victoria know their children are safe at Bunjilwarra with the knowledge that Uncle Pat is there. 

He also helps the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal staff to understand the importance of the work they are doing and it goes without saying that Uncle Pat receives calls from the community any time of day or night. He always responds with compassion, wisdom and care. 

All of us at YSAS wholeheartedly congratulate Uncle Pat for being inducted into the Honour Roll. It is an absolute privilege to work alongside him and we are forever grateful for his extensive contribution to the Aboriginal community and the people of Australia.