I’m Joe Sproats, an Aboriginal (Ngarigo) and Australian South Sea Islander (Lifou) with Irish and English roots. Born on Bun Wurrung lands in Melbourne, I grew up feeling distant from my heritage. In 1979, I moved to Queensland, where I embraced the richness of Indigenous culture.
My path into psychology began unexpectedly at a psycho-geriatric hospital in Melbourne, where I discovered the transformative power of connection through simple games. This experience ignited my passion for helping others, leading me to youth work, where I learned the importance of allowing young people to take charge of their learning.
A pivotal moment in my journey occurred during my studies at Melbourne University in the 1970s. I was told that spirit had no place in our curriculum, which baffled me. Surrounded by those who should have understood its significance—like priests and nuns—I questioned why the spiritual dimension was overlooked in psychology. People often focus on their physical bodies but neglect the spirit, rendering psychology a hollow discipline. While mindfulness is a step in the right direction, the broader notion of spirit and its transformative power remains largely untouched. This connection is vital for proper healing.
Relocating up north brought new challenges, including a profound realisation about language barriers and the consequences of systemic discrimination among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This sparked my commitment to understanding and advocating for Indigenous peoples.
I worked with the Endeavour Foundation, introducing individual program plans to improve services for people with disabilities. My advocacy led to a management role in Disability Services, where I established the first Torres Strait Islander Disability Service.
Despite facing personal and systemic challenges, including a painful recovery from repetitive strain injury, I pivoted my career towards consulting, focusing on Aboriginal communities. I founded Dreamtime Learning and Dreamtime Counselling and Coaching Service, emphasising culturally relevant approaches to education and healing.
Throughout my career, I’ve learned that true healing involves reconnecting with our culture, country, and each other. I aim to empower individuals to find their voice and strength by fostering community and understanding. I believe in the importance of seeing the world through a lens of connection, embracing our shared values, and recognising that healing is a collective journey. Reflecting on my experiences, I remain committed to creating pathways of healing and empowerment for future generations in my role at Wakai Waian Healing. Together, we can build a future where cultural understanding thrives, and every individual can succeed.