ACT Heritage Library Manuscript Collections

HMSS 0404 Murringu Canberra, David Purnell's Papers

Scope and Content Notes 

During the 1980s an embryonic men’s movement arose, partly in response to a rise in feminism but also in recognition of men’s needs in a changing society. In the ACT issues of domestic violence were being addressed, and government resources were being put into crisis services that helped not only the victims but the perpetrators.

Early in 1991 Marshall O’Brien, counsellor at the University of Canberra, convened a meeting to discuss ‘appropriate strategies for helping men to control violence’. A submission was sent to the Attorney-General, Bernard Collaery, proposing that a men’s resource centre be established to provide for intervention, counselling, education and practical assistance, and for the coordination of men’s services with those for women.

However, the proposal was not taken up, and in February Marshall O’Brien, David Purnell and Reverend David Oliphant, with assistance from St John’s Care, began establishing a drop-in centre for men, based in Wunderly Cottage in the grounds of St John’s Anglican church, Reid, under the business name of Murringu Counselling and Advisory Service. It provided monthly workshops, a regular newsletter, and counsellors to be available when needed. The management committee also established working parties to determine Murringu’s response to men who perpetrated violence in the home, and to men who were victims of sexual abuse. In April 1993 Murringu made a formal submission to the Community Law Reform Commission of the ACT on Domestic Violence.

Participation peaked in mid-1994, when it became necessary to restructure the organisation. Marshall O’Brien took over the business name for his personal business, and Murringu Canberra was incorporated on 28 November 1994. Murringu’s objects were to promote the welfare of men, provide an information and referral service, educational programs, and links to similar organisations in Australia and overseas. Special interest groups were set up and various outreach programs pursued.

In 1996 there were several approaches to government for assistance, resulting in a Community Services Grant for 1996-97. Records from this time onwards are limited, but Murringu continued operations from its base at St John’s until in July 1998 it took a 12-month lease on premises in Kootara Street, Narrabundah. In June 2000 the Men’s Centre moved to permanent premises in the Griffin Centre, as a leading independent, community-driven organisation in the Canberra region, providing services and support for men and promoting men’s health and well-being.

The collection consists of David Purnell's personal papers of Murringu from the mid 1980 to 1997 and a short history of the organisation to 2000, written by David Purnell .

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