Meet Community Connector: Joe Malone

Joe Malone has been a familiar face at ATSICHS Brisbane for over 12 years, but his journey began with a short-term casual role at our Northgate clinic back in 2012. Today, he works as a Community Connector, spending time in community, building strong relationships, and promoting healthy lifestyle choices.

You may also recognise Joe from outside of ATSICHS. He runs his own business, Jagalingu Aboriginal Artefacts, and is often seen at community events sharing his art and cultural knowledge.

We caught up with Joe recently, learn more about his role and community work below:

Can you tell us a bit about your journey with ATSICHS Brisbane and how you got started?

I was self-employed in 2012 and business was slow, so I applied for a casual position at the Northgate clinic which was meant to be for a couple of weeks and 12 years later I am still here.

You’ve been involved in with many community events and programs, particularly men’s mental health events and men’s groups. What impact have these had on the community?

The events and programs have a positive impact on community. They give men a platform to express themselves and talk about what’s happening in their lives, both good and bad, and to see if others are going through similar things.  

Some men just want to meet up and have a yarn about everyday issues. For them, it’s more about having interaction with other men. Like everywhere, there’s a real need for more mental health services across the region.  

What inspired you to start the didgeridoo program, and what has the response been like?

The Didgeridoo program had been running at Jajumbora for a couple of months when I started the Community Connector role.  They were looking for someone to facilitate it, and just by chance, I had done this type of work before.

The boys love doing the Didge program, but can get a bit distracted at times – so we have to get them refocus. We need more fathers to join the program too. It helps with focus, builds bonds with their sons and gives them a chance to enjoy a cultural experience together.  

About His Business & Cultural Practice

Can you tell us about your business and the kind of art and artifacts you create or sell?

My little business is called Jagalingu Aboriginal Artefacts. I manufacture Aboriginal artefacts such as Boomerangs, Didgeridoos, Nulla Nullas, Clapsticks etc. and I also do art on canvas mainly as well as murals, I have been doing this since 1987.

Why is it important to you to continue to share your knowledge around old cultural practices with community?

It’s important to share the knowledge of how artefacts were once made, what type of tree they came from and what they were used for.

The art side is about showing how we didn’t have written words before colonisation.  We taught our history verbally through stories and songlines, and visually through dance and art.

Personal Reflections

What advice would you give to other First Nations people wanting to start a business or run a cultural program?

If someone wants to start a business in the same sector as me, I would advise them to stay true to your cultural beliefs. Remember where you and your people before you have come from and what they’ve been through. Even if your business is contemporary, it should still have a traditional aspect so it remains unique. We are a unique people with a unique culture.

If you want to know more about Joe’s business or you’re interested in his work, you can contact him via email: joe@jagalingu.com.au