We facilitate local disaster risk reduction and economic resilience programs that aid businesses and community organisations to prepare and recover more effectively.
We are "community-led" because our approach prioritises the needs of local economies, as determined by consultations with community members.
Our main priority is to create meaningful change in every community we work with.
ABV is dedicated to fostering the revitalisation of regional economies by providing essential support to community organisations, local entrepreneurs and small to medium-sized enterprises.
Connection Brokering
ABV facilitates the brokering of more interconnected communities and regions through various relationships and initiatives. This involves connecting with government entities, corporate organisations, and other relevant parties.
Planning and Preparedness
ABV provides assistance through a variety of means including the dissemination of knowledge, the sharing of information, the development of skills, and the enhancement of awareness.
"ABV are like a breath of fresh air. Most people just stay on the highway and don't stop. It's incredible that ABV actually came here."
Community Member Tristan Hennessey, Nowa Nowa.
(ABV) helped me really look at the project from a business perspective, which is something that...I had a bit of resistance too because this is a passion project for me.
They were able to hold my hand through that process and we came up with a business plan.
Alex King - Moruya Compost Club
ABV creates connections in the community. Through ABV we were connected with the Batemans Bay Local Aboriginal Land Council.
I can't speak highly enough of the work that George and Natascha (ABV team) have done. Fantastic, professional and supportive.
Nick Kemp - Secretary Braidwood and Villages Business Chamber
The Process
1
Consultation
Building foundational trust with communities while identifying their key needs, priorities and interests.
2
Place-based engagement
Working in the community, with the community to discover unique characteristics, drawing on local knowledge and resources.
3
Creating a Safe Space
Creating social safety as community holds the sometimes-difficult conversations to determine actions.
4
Engaging Volunteers & Networks
Sourcing specialist volunteers to complement local skills. Expert knowledge accelerates projects.
5
Feedback Loop
Regular review sessions keep feedback consistent and provide continuous improvement. ABV feeds its learnings into our advocacy work and understanding of the systems change needed.
ABV worked with Fraser Coast Advocacy and Inclusion Inc. (FCAI Inc.) through a Skilled Business engagement to help strengthen the organisation’s foundations and clarify its future direction. The focus was on developing an inclusive, member‑led strategy grounded in the lived experience of people with disability. The result was a practical Strategic Plan for 2026–2029 that […]
Australian Business Volunteers has been working closely with the Nowa Nowa community to explore sustainable wastewater solutions that can support the town’s long‑term growth, protect the local environment and unlock new opportunities. Through hands‑on workshops and site visits, residents, experts and partners came together to share insights and shape a practical path forward. A huge thank you to Arup, who generously donated […]
Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) has been working alongside communities in East Gippsland, Latrobe and Wellington shires since 2024 through the government‑funded Resilient Regions program. We’re inviting more local organisations and small businesses to access free, tailored support from our skilled business volunteers and local team. Our team works directly with community groups, organisations and small […]
Staff from the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) have strengthened their project planning capability after taking part in a two-day Business Acumen Workshop on Country. The training brought together teams from across Country Operations and focused on practical learning built around real GLaWAC projects. Supported by ABV Volunteer facilitator Dr Ken Long, the […]
East Gippsland residents have embraced cutting-edge technology designed to strengthen disaster preparedness, with two Simtable demonstrations held this week in Lindenow and Mt Taylor drawing strong crowds and sparking lively discussion. On Monday 2 December, around 25 community members gathered in Lindenow to see the Simtable in action. Local CFA commanders and captains attended alongside […]
With the very real and devasting impact of natural hazards and disasters front of mind this High-Risk Weather Season, Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) reflects on five years of driving community-led disaster and economic resilience for empowered solutions from the bottom up. Putting communities in the driver's seat, building local capacity, and forging lasting relationships, this […]
Earlier this month, local leaders, volunteers, and community groups came together at the Orbost Arts Centre for the second workshop in a series focused on strengthening connections and collaboration across the Orbost and District area. The workshop, Building Orbost and District Together: Place-based Leadership & Governance, brought together 16 passionate locals to explore what kind […]
Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) welcomes the opportunity to provide a submission to the Joint Committee on Harmful Algal Blooms in South Australia, offering insight into how community-led disaster and economic resilience can play a central role in addressing the ongoing environmental and economic impacts of harmful algal blooms in the state. Read ABV’s submission in […]
