Moorditj Maaman breaking the cycle.

My name is Wayne Ryder, I am a proud Noongar man, a devoted fiancé and father of four children. My journey in life has been like a ride on a rollercoaster, it started at a young age when my parents separated, and I was raised by my grandfather. This is a life so many young indigenous kids know too well, being separated at a young age from your biological parents can cause future trauma. The trauma I have faced still resonates today in what I do in life, I work in the alcohol and/or other drug (AOD) sector supporting people struggling with AOD dependency.
This presentation will be on my life journey in four stages.
1. Childhood – Identifying struggles so many Indigenous kids have faced, including family breakdown, intergenerational trauma, and home dynamics.
2. Teenage years and adulthood – Dropping out of school for the want of playing professional sport, a life sought out for so many Indigenous men. Realisation of career pathways and the working world. Relationships and starting a family, including situations of family violence, AOD abuse, homelessness, and interactions with the law.
3. Recovery – Overcoming addiction and finding a pathway forward. Reconnecting with family and strengthening relationships. Building on knowledge as a mature age student.
4. Passion for success – Successfully building upon a life at a national level that was thought to be lost by so many. Finding a passion and becoming a leader within family, community, and career. Starting my own business and succeeding at a university level. Reconnecting with my roots and culture.
A positive life journey is inspirational to so many. I am passionate about improving my community and I believe telling my story can inspire others, including the wellbeing of Indigenous people in the future.