True Allyship in Action: Namarca Corowa Named JSP Equaliser 2026

For Namarca Corowa if there was one action he could inspire, it would be for men to truly listen to the women in their lives. Not just with their ears, but their hearts.

“When we genuinely listen to the women’s experiences and perspectives, it builds understanding , respect and  stronger relationships.”

As this 2026  Equaliser winner at the recent  JSP Women’s Awards, Namarca is a genuine ally to women. He consistently address inequality, challenge harmful norms, and create safer, more empowered spaces for women and communities to thrive.

As a recognised facilitator of behavioural change through cultural perspectives, Namarca brings over a decade of frontline experience working at the intersections of domestic and family violence prevention, mental health, youth justice, and community healing. His work is grounded not in rhetoric, but in sustained action — disrupting cycles of violence and inequality through culturally intelligent, restorative, and strength-based approaches.

As Director of Reconcile Life, Namarca leads pioneering programs that address men’s behaviour, accountability, and cultural responsibility.

“I work with men from many different backgrounds and often challenge attitudes that show bias or a lack of understanding about women.

“Instead of confronting people harshly, I ask questions that help them reflect on how their words and actions affect the women in their lives and encourage them to build relationships based on respect and responsibility,” he said.

He believes that men play can important role in shaping a culture of respect in families and communities.

“When men model respect, encouragement, and shared responsibility, it teaches others especially young boys how women should be valued and treated.

“Much of my work creates spaces where men can honestly reflect on their attitudes and responsibilities in relationships. Instead of blaming or judging, I encourage men to think about the kind of partners, fathers, and role models they want to be.

“ Through conversations and programs, we focus on respect, empathy, and accountability so men can help build healthier relationships and stronger families.”

Since 2016, Namarca has delivered men’s behavioural change programs that directly confront sexism, violence, and power imbalances, while guiding men toward healthier identities rooted in respect, connection, and responsibility.

His work supports women not only by challenging harmful behaviour, but by actively reshaping the environments in which women live, lead, and raise families.

With more than 11 years in youth justice and six years as a restorative justice convenor, Namarca consistently centres women’s voices, safety, and dignity in both preventative and healing-focused responses. His culturally grounded practice ensures women are heard, protected, and valued — not as an afterthought, but as central to community wellbeing.

“As a restorative justice convenor,  I know the power of unheard voices. I recall several occasions where important perspectives were unintentionally overlooked.

“One example that stands out for me was during a meeting discussion where a woman was raising concerns about the effects of an offence that had occurred affected her family, but the conversation kept moving past her point without fully acknowledging what she was trying to say.

“I felt it was important to pause the discussion and bring the focus back to her perspective. I asked her to share more about her experience and encouraged others in the room to listen and consider the impact of what she was describing.

 “Once people took the time to really hear her, the conversation shifted and her insight helped shape the direction of the discussion.

“Moments like that remind me that sometimes advocacy is simply about making space, slowing things down, and ensuring someone’s voice is genuinely heard and valued. When people feel listened to, it often leads to better decisions and stronger outcomes for the whole community,” he said.

Elected as a Mackay Regional Councillor in 2024, Namarca advocates strongly for policies that reflect lived experience, particularly in mental health, domestic and family violence prevention, cultural identity, and youth crime intervention.

 He speaks out against systemic bias and champions solutions that empower women, families, and communities through cultural truth, accountability, and long-term change. Whether through policy leadership, community advocacy, program delivery, or everyday conduct.

Namarca demonstrates what true allyship looks like. He stands alongside women in both their struggles and successes, leading by example and using his influence to create safer, more equitable communities.

He said the roles through his community work, training, and leadership he encourages conversations about respect and healthy relationships.

“A big part of my work is helping men think about how their actions affect the women in their lives and encouraging them to lead with respect and responsibility.

“I hope to leave a legacy where men and women treat each other with respect and work together to build strong families and communities.

“If the work I do helps even a few people create healthier relationships and safer homes, then I will consider that a meaningful impact,” he said.