FOLLOW THE FIRE, BRING YOUR HEARTS
One Fire, Many Hearts Project Lead
G'day
My name is Dameyon. I'm the One Fire, Many Hearts Project Lead - an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous Australian Darwin-born local.
This project is the culmination of over 20 years working in First Nations (FN) health, with 12 of those years specifically focused as a remote community suicide prevention practitioner. In the field of suicide prevention, I am more widely known for working with FN LGBTIQA+SB communities.
Since 2013, I've been working directly with FN communities, developing FN LGBTIQA+SB training and championing systemic change for FN LGBTIQA+SB communities through practice-based observation. My 2017 report "Voices from the Black Rainbow," which focused on including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTIQA+ Sistergirls and Brotherboys in health and suicide prevention strategies, shifted the discussion towards community-focused approaches.
I work at the crossroads of front-line practice and engagement, community championship, research, and policy development—always ensuring FN LGBTIQA+SB voices lead the way in creating meaningful change.
This work is the next chapter in a commitment I made to myself 20 years ago as I was starting out as a student of social work: that no one gets left behind.
I hope you'll join me and the OFMH Team on this journey.
For more about my work go to Shadow Black Agency.
Dameyon Bonson.
OUR LOGO
Creating the One Fire, Many Hearts logo
The One Fire, Many Hearts logo visually represents the Six Core Deliverables of the project through six red hearts surrounding a central flame. This design symbolises a community coming together around a campfire, a powerful cultural and communal symbol.
how to get in touch
We’re a very small team and travelling out bush for most of the time. While we’ll do our best to respond to messages, that may not always be possible—the FAQ will be there to help.
