At Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) we know that the strongest communities lead their own change. This year’s annual report highlights the contribution of our 311 skilled business volunteers, 15 corporate and industry partners, and 12 programs delivered across six countries — all of which has been grounded in trust, collaboration and local leadership. Read the full report. This snapshot marks ABV’s ever-deepening connection with...
Using Skills for Sustainable Impact The declaration of the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development is more than a calendar milestone. It is a global recognition of the extraordinary contribution volunteers make to building resilient communities and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. Around the world, skilled volunteers are stepping forward to...
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,...
Proud Martu woman and contemporary artist, Corina Jadai, from Bidyadanga in Western Australia debuted her label Jarli at the Indigenous Fashion Project’s 10th annual Country to Couture on Larrakia country (Darwin) August 2025. Creating resort wear inspired by the Pilbara and Kimberley, Corina’s collection blends vast desert landscapes with hues...
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...
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...
Drawing on five years of working with disaster-affected communities in regional and remote Australia, Australian Business Volunteers has released its evidence-based framework to ensure that communities are better prepared to withstand future disaster risks and climate induced hazards. With over some 175 projects now delivered in some 17 local government...
Local leaders, business owners and community members came together on August 21st for the Building Orbost and District Together – Place-based Leadership and Governance Workshop, the culmination of a three-part webinar series exploring community-led approaches to resilience and prosperity. Hosted in partnership between the Future of Orbost & District (FoOD)...
We’re proud to see the incredible journeys of our entrepreneurs featured in the latest edition of Kujungkarrini, Greatland’s community magazine. This month’s stories shine a well-deserved spotlight on those who are turning vision into reality through hard work, creativity, and courage. Among them are Jeremy Sammy and Morika Biljabu, whose...
CEO Authored thought piece published by Better Boards 2 July 2025 What is ESG? ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles and practices are significant factors for investors and members to consider when determining a company’s ethical value. Adherence to ESG frameworks is increasingly important for a company’s sustainability and for...
“Water is life. Country is spirit. And painting is how I keep both alive.” – Lloyd Kwilla Lloyd Kwilla, born in 1980, is an acclaimed Aboriginal Australian artist whose works pulse with the spirit of his Country. Raised in Wangkatjungka on Christmas Creek Station, and now based in Pandanus Park, Lloyd’s...
On Wednesday, 28 May, the Fiji Indigenous Business Council (FIBC) proudly opened its 2025 Symposium at the Novotel Convention Centre in Lami under the theme: "Networking: Creating & Sustaining Our Future in Business." The event commenced with powerful and encouraging remarks by our chief guest Hon. Viliame Gavoka, Deputy Prime...
Twenty-seven small business owners in Mallacoota and Orbost walked away from a recent series of Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) workshops feeling more confident, capable, and connected after participating in four practical sessions focused on business growth and resilience. Held over two evenings in each town, the workshops attracted a diverse...
Be a voice in our workshop series to design to the next chapter of our district’s place-based leadership and governance Local leaders across Orbost and district are being invited to take part in an exciting community-led initiative aimed at further shaping the district’s collaborative structures and decision-making approaches — looking...
Appointed to support Australian Business Volunteers’ Resilient Regions economic disaster resilience program with the fire-affected East Gippsland community of Buchan late last year. Mike Sewell, who has been extremely generious with his time and expertise, says he’s in for the long haul. “One of the first things I do when...
Raised with an ethos of providing a helping hand to your neighbour, joining Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) in 2023 to volunteer with communities in Nauru was in some ways simply common sense for Sydney local, Vera Pajovic. “Maxine Wiggs, a wonderful lady I used to work with in the travel...
Hearing about ABV from a friend in engineering, Geelong local Chris Maddock wasn’t sure that he would have the opportunity to share his skills through the organisation’s humanitarian programs. It wasn’t until he had retired from his role as Business Manager for Christian College Geelong, that the right opportunity came...
Responsible for leading NAB’s first operational teams in India in 2014, Tina gained an appetite for working across cultures to build deep lasting connections and change. Thinking about it for some five years, Tina says it wasn’t until the stars aligned through NAB’s partnership with the First Nations development organisation,...
As part of ABV’s mission to build inclusive and sustainable economic growth across the region, we are proud to partner with City Pharmacy Limited (CPL) Foundation Inc. to mentor six women trailblazing local entrepreneurship in Papua New Guinea. Along with developing successful women-led businesses, these entrepreneurs are offering innovative market...
From humble beginnings on a cattle station near Sandfire, Freddy’s journey has been one of resilience, independence, and creativity. Inspired by the land and the stories of his community, he began painting in 2017. This became a profound way to share his feelings and express his connection to the unique...
The 2019/2020 Australian bushfires were a catastrophic event with devastating impact across regional communities. Burning up to 19 million hectares, destroying thousands of homes, and impacting nearly three billion animals, the impact of these fires can still be felt today. Communities like those in Gippsland, have worked tirelessly through recovery...
Giving back through business with Kay Galamo When Kay Galamo accepted the role of General Manager at Lamatlik Investment Limited in 2020, he never imagined the incredible impact he would make. As an experienced accountant from Port Moresby, Kay brought his expertise and passion to the clan-owned business on Lihir,...
In collaboration with Greatland Gold Telfer, ABV’s Martu Business Development Service celebrates the exceptional First Nations women we have had the privilege of supporting and walking alongside on their business journeys in the Western Pilbara. Introducing the Martu sisters, Corina Jadai and Nuriah Jadai, First Nations artists who bring their...
At ABV, we have had the privilege of walking alongside so many incredible women on their journeys—women who inspire, lead, and create lasting impact in their communities.As we celebrate their achievements, our CEO, Liz Mackinlay, takes a moment to reflect on their resilience, passion, and the change they drive every...
City Pharmacy Limited Foundation Mentoring Program Trailblazing Women Entrepreneurs in Papua New Guinea Strengthening micro, small, and medium businesses in the Pacific is at the heart of Australian Business Volunteers' (ABV) mission to build inclusive and sustainable economic growth across the region. In partnership with City Pharmacy Limited (CPL) Foundation...
Paris Brooke, Co-founder & CEO of Wilderness Collective Moving to the coastal town of Mallacoota with her family in 2019, Wilderness Collective CEO and Co-Founder, Paris Brooke, never expected to lay-down lasting roots in the community, let alone be one of five women dedicated to transforming the town’s local economy. ...
Why community-led disaster recovery remains the missing piece of the puzzle for disaster management in Australia, and what we can do about it. On the back of devastating fires through Black Friday and the rising impact of climate change, the Australian Government commissioned independent reviews of disaster funding and community...
As extreme fire danger continues across Victoria today with bushfires in the Grampians burning out of control, we know only too well the very real displacement and devastation that is once again, knocking on people's doors. Our team at ABV has worked with communities across Victoria and the Eastern seaboard...
Lihirian businesses are at the forefront of implementing strong governance practices that drive growth, resilience, and long-term sustainability. On Lihir Island, Papua New Guinea (PNG), the Better Business Governance (BBG) program, delivered through a collaboration between Newmont’s Sustainability Team and Australian Business Volunteers (ABV), is empowering local enterprises to thrive....
As we head into the end of the year, we invariably start thinking about who our tribe is - our family that we're born to, the family we create, the networks and people that have become our tribe...Who do you turn to in times of need and celebration? Who are...
Corina Jadai was born in Derby, and raised in the Kimberley and Pilbara region. Corina is an established artist, graphic designer and now First Nations fashion designer. She enjoys painting, creating designs for commercial use, designing football shirts, working with resin art and making jewellery. Corina joined the Martu program...
As Queenslanders turn their hand to preparations for the upcoming natural disaster season, Country to Coast, QLD and Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) are celebrating a $3.8 million boost for the three-year Resilient Care Program, received from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) through the Disaster Ready Fund. Country to Coast,...
Last week, our Martu team joined the Rawa Community School from Martu country during their visit to Margaret River. We were warmly welcomed by the Undalup team, led by Zac Webb, who shared incredible cultural insights into Wadandi Boodja (country), its people, plants, animals, and traditions. Through hands-on activities, we...
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea – 6 November 2024 The City Pharmacy Ltd (CPL) Foundation Inc. is excited to announce its strategic partnership with Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) to introduce its pilot programme which aims at delivering a comprehensive Business Mentoring Program tailored to support women-led businesses in Papua New...
The truth is, when resources are scarce, it's hard to be friends in the scramble for funding. NGOs often find themselves in a race for resources, which makes true collaboration incredibly challenging. Yet, if we're serious about making a real difference in our communities, we need to break out of...
Liz Mackinlay and Natascha Wernick had a fantastic experience at last week's Advancing Equity Conference. The speakers brought unique and exciting perspectives, sparking new ideas on the future of equity in business practices.It was inspiring to hear Dr. Michael McAfee and Dr Norman Swan challenge attendees on how to integrate...
The Martu Business Development Services program, supported by Australian Business Volunteers (ABV), is aimed at creating pathways to economic independence for Martu people through improved business skills, knowledge and facilitating access to opportunities and support to realise their business vision. Sponsored by Newmont, the program is now in its second...
The passion Alexander and Emma Flora Ah Tong have for all things digital technology is evident through the energy and time they have invested into improving their shop in Samoa. In 2019, the couple left their jobs to pursue their dream of owning a small business. This risk paid off...
Afa Vaasa is the passionate floral decorator behind Muaimalae Florist. Afa has turned his love for flowers into a thriving business. Starting small in 2017 with simple arrangements for family and church events, Afa has gradually grown his business. Today, he caters to weddings, corporate events, funerals, and government functions....
In Labasa Town, nestled between two bustling supermarkets, stands Tagimoucia Restaurant, a testament to family dedication and entrepreneurial spirit. Founded by Vilai Basalusalu, a retiree with a background in civil service, this restaurant has quickly become a cherished local eatery. Vilai’s journey began long before the restaurant’s doors opened in...
We’re excited to announce that our Community-Led Disaster Resilience Model has won a prestigious Good Design Australia Award in the Social Impact category!Recognised for its innovative approach to disaster preparedness, our model empowers communities to lead in the face of climate challenges.This accolade celebrates our commitment to sustainable, community-led solutions.A...
We are in Sarsfield, Victoria celebrating the official launch of our Resilient Regions program. Continuing on the work we have done in NSW, over the next three years, we’ll work with communities’ businesses through workshops, building networks, and provide access to 150+ skilled volunteers. Our volunteers range from marketers and strategists...
This week, @bankaust is kicking off its first ever Skilled Volunteering Program with a cohort of employees from across the business. The team of Bank Australia skilled volunteers will spend five days working closely with First Australians Capital (FAC). FAC supports Indigenous enterprises to grow their businesses by providing access to finance,...
Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) is thrilled to partner with the Centre for Humanitarian Leadership (CHL) and Deakin University to explore how communities can lead their own disaster recovery with the support of skilled volunteers and local businesses.Alongside Deakin University, CHL will be joining us on the journey to research how...
At 51, Iliana Ikaniliwalala is not just a name in the bustling markets of Labasa; she is a story of resilience, determination and triumph over adversity. Originally from Waitoga, Nairai, Lomaiviti, Iliana’s journey into entrepreneurship began unexpectedly during a visit to Labasa. What started as a temporary endeavour to sell...
We aren't ready.We aren't ready enough for another massive fire or flood event.Many Australians echo this sentiment.During the 2019-2020 fires, 80% of the country was affected by smoke, drastically reducing air quality.Living in a city doesn't exclude you from risk.Four hundred fifty people (according to the CSIRO) are estimated to have died of smoke inhalation...
ABV CEO Liz Mackinlay is thrilled to be in Fiji, meeting with Senior Program Manager Ravi Chand, BSP Fiji GM Retail Ravindra Singh, and BSP Head of SME Rohit Sharma.BSP Financial Group Limited and Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) partner to support small and medium businesses, which are the heart of...
What an incredible journey through East Gippsland Shire! ABV team George Barrett and Neil Smith travelled an area of 20,940 kilometres with Assoc. Professor Maxine Kelly from Deakin University to meet with community stakeholders as part of our Victoria program's engagement. Being community-led means before we can work in a...
Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) acknowledges and celebrates the recent Martu Youth Festival. Held in Parnngurr, Western Australia, the Martu Youth Festival is an event that celebrates Martu culture and youth in the region.This festival has become a major Western Desert event as a celebration of sport, music, and community, including...
Last week, 11 NAB skilled volunteers presented their Community Strategy Challenge final report to Clothing The Gaps.The report outlined a three-year strategic plan to support future sustainability for the majority First Nations-owned business and social enterprise. NAB colleague Tara Tubman says, “a rewarding experience and genuine opportunity to give back...
Key program highlights and impact numbers from our NSW Program which has ended after 22 months of supporting the communities in the Snowy Valleys and the South Coast of NSW. ABV is exploring how to continue supporting NSW communities. We have helped community organisations with business plans, sustainability scoping and disaster preparedness....
Small business owners face numerous challenges and local entrepreneurs in Lihir, New Ireland province, are no exception.They need to research, find startup funding, maintain a budget, grow their presentation skills, become a master salesperson and find committed staff.To help business owners through these stages, the Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) deliver...
We are thrilled to announce our Resilient Regions program.Collaborating with Deakin University we are engaging in Victoria’s Gippsland region to help prepare the community for future severe weather events.Jointly funded by the Victorian Government under the flagship Disaster Ready Fund, the program reduces risk exposure for businesses and builds community...
Skilled Business Professionals, Kaylene Benson and Cathy Corderoy are in Labasa, Vanua Levu volunteering their time to deliver Fiji THRIVE this month.Kaylene says “Reflecting on my experience in Fiji, I continue to be amazed at the many ways people are connected and the importance placed on looking after each other....
Last week, a group of NAB colleagues volunteered their expertise for a nine-day community strategy challenge for Clothing The Gaps.Clothing The Gaps is a vibrant community brand celebrating Aboriginal people and culture and is a majority Aboriginal-owned business and social enterprise.For this Community Strategy Challenge, the NAB skilled volunteer team...
The ABV Capable Communities Program has ended after 22 months of supporting the communities in the Snowy Valley and the South Coast of NSW. To honour the dedication of our community partners, collect feedback, and hand over the community projects to the funder, Reconstruction Authority, the team at ABV hit...
Happy Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Day! Today, we celebrate the businesses that are the backbone of our economies. As mentors to small businesses, Australian Business Volunteers have a front-row seat to their challenges. One participant in our program Gulshad Begum, entered the fiercely competitive world of Facebook selling and...
The night before virtually interviewing ABV mentor David Campbell and mentee Moana Korikalo, a 6.5-scale earthquake hit Vanuatu. Despite being woken up by her home shaking in the night, Moana showed up on time to chat with us with a positive attitude. "That's who Moana is; she always follows through...
For this year’s World Environment Day, the theme is Generation Restoration. Restoration means building fire, flood, and drought resilience. Today, ABV is reminded of the incredible lessons we learned at the Cultural Burning Conference facilitated with the Bateman's Bay Local Aboriginal Land Council in 2023. You may have heard the...
The new Kiah Community Hall was officially opened this week, marking a fresh chapter for the community. It has been a four-year journey to open this beautiful new hall, which took the dedication of the Bega Valley Shire Council, the hall committee, and partners such as ABV and Arup. The...
For an impressive span of more than 30 years, Bevan Sharp has been a dedicated volunteer of ABV. His commitment has seen him complete over 60 assignments in 16 countries, contributing his time and expertise to invaluable projects across Asia and the Pacific, including in Cambodia, Vietnam, PNG, Solomon Islands,...
Marcus Alexander is one of ABV's skilled volunteers working with our Nauru program to build capacity of local small-medium businesses. Marcus has always had a talent for spotting opportunities, making him perfect to help small businesses in Nauru. He discovered his love for retail and business while working at Woolworths,...
ABV volunteers Matt Stone and Liane Arno went to Mt. Hagen, Papua New Guinea, to present the YES Grow program, which helps small businesses owners develop essential skills for sustainable growth. Matt and Liane have been volunteering across the Pacific with ABV since 2006. The YES Grow program has also...
In celebration of National Families Week, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to all our participants and partners for their contribution towards the success of Apeketon Business Hub. This year's theme, "Embracing Diversity, Strengthening Families", resonates deeply with our mission. We are excited to share some updates from the...
As our Capable Communities program draws to a close, our ABV team is hitting the road to celebrate, thank and reflect with the communities we’ve walked alongside since 2022. ABV is proud to have been on this journey with communities across the shires of Snowy Valley, Bega Valley, Eurobodalla and...
"Storytelling is an incredibly powerful tool. We all, as humans, learn through storytelling," - Susan Goldie. Susan Goldie has dedicated her life to humanitarian work, including mental health education, better end-of-life care, poverty reduction, and economic empowerment. Susan joined us as a volunteer in November 2023 and has started working with our Nauru team...
ABV, in partnership with BSP Samoa, has launched a program to support Micro, Small, and Medium businesses in Samoa. The YES Grow program offers a three-week workshop series with six months of ongoing online coaching and mentoring provided by ABV's experienced Skilled Business Volunteers. The program aims to help businesses in Samoa...
ABV was brought in to work alongside the Braidwood Villages Business Chamber to do what we do best: bringing in experts and strengthening the chamber's networks. After regular meetings and consultations, a tourism corridor project was discussed. This project is the brainchild of ABV’s volunteer, Professor Brian Roberts, who has...
Big Congratulations to the February graduates of our Family Money Management program! Run by dedicated local staff at the Apeketon Business Hub in Lihir, Papua New Guinea, this initiative equips families with essential tools for financial planning, budgeting, and saving. It's truly inspiring to witness participants taking concrete steps towards...
Our partner, Arup, has been providing technical expertise to our programs in Australia for almost 4 years, and we are beyond grateful for all the knowledge and experience their team brings. We grow more substantial businesses and local economies to build disaster resilience, and Arup's contribution of highly specialised skills...
Australian Business Volunteers submitted a statement to the Senate Select Committee on Australia's Disaster Resilience. The committee aims to investigate the roles of different entities, including the Australian Defence Force, volunteer groups, not-for-profit organisations, and state-based services. Its purpose is to determine the necessary support to improve Australia's resilience and...
Meet Corina Jadai, a proud Martu woman from the Broome region of Western Australia. Since joining our program in 2023, Corina has been thriving under the guidance of her amazing volunteer mentor, Liz Reece. Corina is an incredibly talented creative who has found success in the fields of art and graphic design....
Image: Allan and Shirley in their Woodend Rotary uniforms. For most of their lives, Allan and Shirley have done everything together. Their lifelong partnership intertwines with work, volunteering and their enthusiasm for travel. Through volunteering, they have travelled across the Pacific to the Soloman Islands, Vanuatu, and Fiji with Australian...
In the heart of NSW's South Coast, the Batemans Bay Local Aboriginal Land Council's Walbunja Rangers—a group deeply connected to the land—sought assistance from Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) to improve their business planning and strategy. Image above: Ken Long, Andrew White and Ros Carriage working on business plan for BBLALC....
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Celebrate International Women's Day with ABV! Overview: Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) is hosting 'Conversations across the Pacific,' an online event for International Women's Day. It will be an inspiring afternoon dedicated to recognising the success of women leaders in the Pacific and the profound impact of...
In February, dedicated volunteers Zarah and Philip collaborated to lead the YES Grow program in Lae, Papua New Guinea. Lae is the capital of Morobe Province and is the second-largest city in Papua New Guinea. It is located near the branching of the Markham River and at the start of...
During the pandemic, a Lautoka-based family had a unique home business idea—selling fashion-forward facemasks. In 2021, as Fijians returned to work, husband and wife team George and Olga Kumkee saw a rising demand for reusable face masks. Seizing this moment, George used his graphic design skills to transform protective wear...
The Braidwood & Villages Tourism Development Workshop was held last Friday morning, with feedback from the participants confirming it was a resounding success, enriched by the smoking ceremony and opening led by the Walbunja Rangers. Five community members, hand selected from a wide range of applicants, presented their tourism plans to...
We warmly welcome Garth James Preece, who has joined ABV as the Program Coordinator for our Western Australia programs. Garth brings six years of experience working in the Western Desert region, previously serving in the community relations department for Newmont Mining. Garth's career demonstrates his dedication to understanding and supporting the local communities. Initially joining...
Meet Emi Weir, one of our inspiring ABV Skilled Volunteers who has donated her expertise for over a decade. Emi's nomadic spirit has led her to new opportunities around the globe—starting in her early twenties, she moved to New York, where she sold tour packages for Aus Travel. Although challenging,...
If you have a tourism-related product or tourism investment project for Braidwood and Villages that you are keen to get off the ground, now is your chance to pitch your idea. Up to five tourism or investment projects will be selected to be worked on or progressed. Braidwood and Villages...
ABV proudly announces the appointment of Helen Conway as Board Chair, bringing a distinguished career spanning legal, corporate, and not-for-profit sectors. Helen's wealth of experience and deep commitment to community, diversity, and inclusion make her an outstanding addition to ABV's esteemed board. Helen Conway expresses "I'm looking forward to working...
Ranjana Malti manages 'Nature's Finest' from her family farm in Dilkusha, Nausori, on Fiji’s largest island, Viti Levu. Nausori is next to the Rewa River, Fiji's widest and longest river, which provides a gentle cooling breeze most days. Malti's day begins at 6 am, tending to her chickens, and she...
The ABV team were fortunate enough to be on Martu country throughout December supporting Newmont Australia Telfer with their Christmas celebrations. Newmont Telfer holds yearly festive events for Martu communities with plenty of food and a special visit from Santa to deliver presents to local schools. A dedicated team wrapped over 500...
Our Skilled Volunteers, Liz Reece and Tamara Dytor, made the most of their time in Papua New Guinea. They immersed themselves in the experience of volunteering overseas, taking the opportunity to join in with the local culture before facilitating the Your Enterprise Scheme (YES) Program—helping local entrepreneurs and small businesses...
The island nation of Nauru is nestled in the centre of coral cliffs surrounded by rock phosphates—striking peaks that emerge from the clear water. With this backdrop, Christmas celebrations vibrantly decorate and complement the beautiful landscape. In December, you will see brightly coloured lights dotted around the island, illuminating households...
A powerful morning of discussion and sharing ideas at the Community Forum on Climate Resilience 2023 this morning. Attendees heard from community leaders with real lived experience of supporting their communities through natural disasters. Expert facilitators Liz Mackinlay, ABV CEO, Briony Rogers, F2F CEO, and Bhiamie Eckford-Williamson, NIDR, guided the...
Last week, the ABV Team headed to Broome to bring together our second cohort of Mentors and Martu community members for our Martu Business mentoring program. Seeing the mentors and the Fitzroy Valley community members visioning, innovating, planning and gaining momentum was exciting for our team. "Once again, we were...
Jennifer Harris, our Nauru Business Hub Manager, facilitated a tourism workshop with our skilled volunteers Matt and Liane, which focused on empowering young people and supporting sustainable tourism growth in Nauru. Considering the impact on the environment and local economy is crucial for the small island nation that has become the focus...
Raga Leana was a featured speaker at Inspire, a joint event with ABV and Lihir Gold Limited in Lihir, Papua New Guinea. The audience comprised 75% women, and the event aimed to inspire local female entrepreneurship. Raga reflected on the significance of this event, stating, "This event was so important...
The Australian Business Volunteers team recently visited Braidwood as a part of their commitment to grow economic resilience in natural-disaster prone regions, empowering businesses to withstand disruptions and continue to thrive in the face of disasters. This exceptional workshop brought together local business representatives, Chamber members, tourism association leaders, and...
The business community of Tumbarumba immersed themselves in a dynamic Business Bootcamp, a two-night event on the 16th and 17th of October 2023, facilitated by Australian Business Volunteers. With a different topic each night, participants had the opportunity to sharpen their finance skills and gain insights into boosting their impact...
Lae Training Cycle - closes 16th Feb 2024Click hereGeneral Expressions of Interest for YES GrowContact BSP BSP PNG | BSP Financial Group Limited (BSP) in partnership with Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) has extended the roll out of its Your Enterprise Scheme (YES) Grow Program to local small and medium businesses/enterprises (SMEs) across PNG, following...
Australian Business Volunteers (ABV), in conjunction with Newcrest Mining, recently held an Inspire Event in Lihir. The Inspire events focus on local entrepreneurs sharing their stories of success as they built their own small to medium enterprise. The event, held on the 24th October, showcased the talents of two female...
Thank You to our Volunteers in Brisbane!At ABV our skilled business volunteers are the backbone of our organisation. Their generosity in time and spirit enables us to continue our great work helping communities build economic resilience across Australia, Asia and the Pacific regions.We recently held a function in Brisbane to...
NAB Corporate Volunteers are in community learning, exploring, and discovering how they can develop initiatives that foster a sustainable future while ensuring a thriving and supportive community. The team of 11 volunteers are working in collaboration with the Future of Orbost and District Project and Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) as...
Twenty-two years ago, Natascha Wernick made a life-changing decision, leaving her city life in Brisbane for a deeper connection with nature. She drove across regional NSW with her 4-year-old, seeking a new home. Struck by Northern NSW's beauty, she settled on a serene 13-hectare piece of land beneath a sacred...
Last week, Anna Durward had her first face-to-face meeting with her mentee, Camari Turagarua on Likuri Island. They have been working together since early 2023. Camari, the Chief Operations Officer at BSP Life Fiji, joined the program to enhance her leadership, management, and strategic skills. She expressed her gratitude for the mentorship program, stating,...
Anna Durward and Natascha Wernick from Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) and Daniel Tincknell from Newcrest Mining had an enriching trip last week, building relationships with Martu community members and Marra Worra Worra Aboriginal Corporation in the Fitzroy Crossing area. Marra Worra Worra is the largest First Nations resource agency in Kimberly. Over its 41-year history, Marra Worra Worra has...
Our Comms Officer, Moneesha Reynolds attended the Future23 conference as an ABV representative earlier this month. She hosted a booth at the industry evening and spoke in a moderated discussion on what an organisation like ours has to offer young people interested in a career in International Affairs. Moneesha was...
ABV Skilled Business Professionals, Liane Arno and Robert Hill have been volunteering their time to mentor for the YES (Your Enterprise Scheme) program in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. YES is our comprehensive program covering the essential aspects of strategic planning, finance, marketing, risk analysis and everything needed to start or grow a successful business. The mentors introduced...
Our CEO, Liz Mackinlay, virtually presented at the International Conference of Sustainable Development (New York). She was part of a session alongside academics, industry experts, and even an enthusiastic student who spoke about Corporate Social Responsibility, which was heartwarming. The session primarily focused on assessing the progress made by the...
A crucial aspect of our Martu Business Development Program involves implementing a mentoring initiative that aligns with community cultural values and business ambitions. Last week, our dedicated Volunteer Mentors, Sue McCosker, Pascal Labouze, and Chris Maddock, travelled to Newcrest Telfer mine, in remote Western Australia with Anna Durward our Senior Program Manager, to personally engage with the Martu...
Congratulations to our partner, the Nauru Chamber of Commerce (NCC), on the official launch of the Nauru Business Hub last week. This marks a significant milestone in the implementation of the Nauru Private Sector Development Roadmap which will strengthen Nauruan businesses. Picture below is Nauru Business Hub Manager, Jennifer Harris speaking at the...
Expanding on our successful partnership in Lihir, Papua New Guinea, alongside Newcrest, we are thrilled to unveil a fresh collaboration as part of our First Nation Business Development Program in Western Australia. Together, Newcrest Mining and ABV are dedicated to empowering the Martu community by enhancing businesses and nurturing entrepreneurial spirit. Our...
Our CEO, Liz Mackinlay, was thrilled to be on a panel for a NAB colleague forum, where she showcased upcoming volunteering opportunities and highlighted our collaboration with NAB. This partnership began in 2017 with a co-design workshop between NAB and ABV. The partnership extended into supporting community recovery and preparedness post the...
Supporting sustainable growth for small businesses and local entrepreneurs is key to ABV's work in strengthening communities. The Apeketon Business Hub (ABH) has supported local enterprises and entrepreneurs on Lihir Island, Papua New Guinea, with our partner Newcrest Mining since 2019. Henry Ume-Taule, our Senior Program Manager, met with Augustine Tukas, Chairman,...
At this year's Australian Disaster Resilience Conference Liz Mackinlay, our CEO had the honour of moderating a panel of courageous community leaders. ABV brought together this panel to bring community voices to this event. The panel had Zena Armstrong from Cobargo, Natascha Wernick from Byrll Creek and Melanie Bloor from Uki....
Mike Taverner and Jenni Connolly, Australian Business Volunteer Skilled Business Professionals (SBPs), conducted a training program on Lihir Island to improve business governance for local business owners and company directors. The training has just wrapped up after two sessions in July and August. The purpose of the Better Business Governance training...
Last week, a much-anticipated conference marked a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to integrate cultural burning practices into land management across Southeast NSW. The Cultural Burning Conference, facilitated by Batemans Bay LALC and ABV, brought together Local Aboriginal Land Councils (including Batemans Bay, Bega, Bodella, Illawarra, Ngumbaay – Brungle-Tumut,...
Oscar Mussons, a professional lawyer and a passionate advocate for human rights, has always sought to build a career around creating positive change. With a diverse background in international consultancy, non-profit organisations, and public service, Oscar has embraced his role in transforming communities here at ABV as a Program Director....
{During the first half of 2023, supported by the British High Commission in Solomon Islands, ABV has been working with the Nauru Chamber of Commerce (NCC) as part of the implementation of the Nauru Private Sector Development Roadmap to establish the cross-sector Sustainable Tourism Working Group (STWG), made up of...
Cultural burning, an ancient practice rooted in Indigenous traditions, resurges as a sustainable approach to bushland management and fire hazard reduction. Recognising the urgent need to manage over 80,000 hectares of bushland in South-East NSW before the upcoming fire season, Batemans Bay Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) is taking the...
During a recent presentation on fostering trust, collaboration, and transparency for effective board governance, an audience member raised an important question: "But HOW do you build trust?" This individual shared a frustrating experience with a community organisation where the departure of previous board members and the arrival of new ones...
The Newcrest Social Performance Department (SPD) manages and coordinates the resettlement family groups (RFG) and works in collaboration with Australian Business Volunteer's Apeketon Business Hub (ABH) team to facilitate skills workshops. In March, a pilot program for resettled family groups at Putput was successfully implemented. Building on this success, the...
Saurara Cola is the creative force behind Beyond Talent, a business based in Suva, Fiji, that specialises in designing culturally significant patterns for homewares and decor. Her mission is to preserve Fiji's culture and heritage and reconnect younger generations with their roots. Saurara believes that generations are gradually losing touch with their...
As part of National Volunteering Week, we want to shed light on how our volunteers support small business owners like Loise Kondiak. Working with women like Loise, who came to the Apeketon Business Hub (an initiative of the partnership between ABV and Newcrest Mining) with the idea of starting a business, has...
Evelyn (Eve) Moolenburgh has been volunteering with ABV since 2019, working alongside ABV staff and those of our partners throughout the Asia Pacific region. Born in Perth and now living in Sydney, Eve's life has been shaped by diverse experiences, both in Australia and abroad. From her time in Nauru supporting sustainable tourism development with ABV and our partner the...
Jarrod Joske has been an invaluable part of the ABV family since 2021 and continues to offer support in a variety of areas due to the versatility of his skills. Jarrod's passion for lending his experience to community organisations stems from his belief in the power of teamwork. Living in West Melbourne,...
To give an idea of how Shean Gannon ended up volunteering with us, his story starts with a passion for business, adventure, and a deep commitment to making a difference. From growing up on a dairy farm in the small town of Tinamba, nestled in the heart of Victoria's Shire of Wellington,...
Christopher Masep Glaglas was happy to receive his Family Money Management Program (FMMP) completion certificate from ABV Trainer Hitolo Galamo. FMMP helps families strengthen their skills in managing household income, financial planning, future-saving and budgeting. This program was transformational for Christopher, who operates a ferry service from Mali to the...
Challenges like disaster recovery and resilience building, regional development and community safety cannot be solved through traditional models. Holistic, place-based planning must be developed for each area utilising community-led, collaborative approaches. During August 2020 – October 2022 ABV demonstrated a model of support to disaster affected communities in NSW...
One year since their first consultation with Lihir’s business development centre, the Apeketon Business Hub, PNG small business owner Benny Arowore says he’s been able to take his business to the next level. “Nobody knew Momot in the past, now everybody knows Momot and what we can offer,” Benny says....
One month into delivering ABV’s latest business capability development program with the Pacific’s largest regional bank, Bank of South Pacific (BSP), ABV’s Skilled Business Professional Kaylene Benson says the Fiji-based program has already exceeded expectations. Preparing for her trip back to Australia following an intensive workshop period for 21 promising local...
Skilled Business Volunteer, Kaylene Benson, is back home after following an intensive three-week program equipping 25 promising Fiji business leaders under our latest program with BSP Financial Group Limited, Fiji THRIVE. As she says, it comes back to bringing out the best in people. "When you're able to elevate people with the support...
MP Kristy McBain joined us in Eden last week to meet with incredible community leaders and businesses on the natural hazards impacting their region and the interventions that they want action to. It was fantastic to meet the 40 incredible community members who participated in the workshops with passion and brought...
BSP Financial Group Limited (BSP) in partnership with Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) today launched Fiji THRIVE, a co-designed business development program for locally-owned, including women-led, businesses in Fiji. Drawing on the vast potential of micro and small to medium sized enterprises (MSMEs), the program will commence with providing training and...
Critical community-led disaster risk reduction program, Capable Communities, has been given the green light to be rolled out across New South Wales' Southeast communities with the February 17th funding announcement by the New South Wales and Australian governments under the National Partnership Agreement for Disaster Risk Reduction through the NSW...
This International Women’s Day, ABV is celebrating the incredible women across Australia and the Asia-Pacific who are driving forward locally-led solutions in their own backyards. Whether it’s spearheading their own business or establishing local community-led resilience programs, these are the women who are leading the change that our communities and...
3HCR High Country Radio has received funding from the East Gippsland Community Foundation to purchase new broadcasting equipment and upgrade its technology, and to fund training of local community members who are keen to learn. This win has come about through the tremendous effort of a team of 3 ABV...
Presented by ABV and partners Newcrest & Nauru Chamber of Commerce We are excited to share that our ABV team hosted a webinar about how business hubs support Pacific entrepreneurs to drive change. This session was an opportunity for our team to share stories from PNG and Nauru to showcase...
The current debate should not be between disaster resilience and disaster recovery but about investing in community preparedness, which is woefully underfunded, argues Liz Mackinlay. People are still living in caravans in bushfire affected areas 2 1/2 years after the black summer bushfires. Community members across NSW are still living...
As the New South Wales Government reviews recommendations to reportedly dismantle NSW Resilience and stand down its commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons, Australian Business Volunteers CEO Liz Mackinlay calls for deep reflection before wrecking-balls are sent. “Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons is a leader of great integrity and demonstrated personal conviction as both 2021...
First opened in 2019, the Apeketon Business Hub offers a wide range of skill development programs and workshops to aspiring and established small business operators in Lihir. It also provides clients with mentoring and consulting services available at the drop-in resource centre, sponsored by Newcrest LGL and delivered in partnership...
Since 2019, Australian Business Volunteers (ABV), in partnership with Newcrest Mining, has worked and walked alongside the people of Lihir as a supportive mentor, teacher, and confidante for many aspiring small business owners and communities. The centre of the development activity is the Apeketon Business Hub, now in its third...
When the head and the heart are still reeling from trauma, a set of steady hands and sturdy feet may be the difference between standing still or moving forward. No doubt 2020 was a difficult year and for many Australians life’s challenges continue. However, for one small community in the...
After gaining its independence in 1968, the 1970s saw the small pacific island nation of Nauru enjoying the second highest GDP per capita in the world, generated from extensive phosphate mining. When the primary reserves were largely exhausted in the 90s, however, the country was left in an economic and environmental quagmire. The noughties saw significant investment to support economic recovery efforts through the...
For more than forty years ABV has delivered intrinsic value to myriad volunteers, skilled business professionals, corporate partners, and the community organisations they have supported. Of course, the flow of benefits doesn’t stop there, and it is the lives of individuals and families at the very end of the support chain, that give true meaning and...
International travel restrictions and border closures haven’t stopped ABV doing what it does best. On the contrary, the BSP Financial Group Limited (BSP, formerly Bank of South Pacific Limited) and ABV Mentoring Program has remained active in Vanuatu, Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and the Cook Islands since the program was initiated in August...
After 40 years sending skilled volunteers overseas to support communities in developing countries, Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) has reinvented its trusted delivery model to overcome global challenges and keep its promise to the people of Lihir in Papua New Guinea. Eighteen months after the global pandemic first shut down borders, restricted international...
Special Olympics Australia (SOA) is part of a global inclusion movement using sport, health education and leadership programs every day around the world to end discrimination against and empower people with intellectual disabilities. Not to be confused with the Paralympics, which is for elite athletes, Special Olympics is a year-round, multi sports...
In an environment of heightened public awareness and astuteness, the Peter Parker Principle - with great power comes great responsibility - has never been more relevant for multi-national corporations and small businesses alike. As one of the ‘Big Four’ and Australia’s largest business bank, NAB leads the way in social impact, inclusivity, and...
COMMITTEE FOR BALLARAT AND BEYOND ZERO EMISSIONS Established in 2005, the Committee for Ballarat (C4B) investigates and advocates for outcomes that will advance its vision for a thriving and vibrant regional community, recognised for its liveability, sustainability, and inclusiveness. Beyond Zero Emissions (BZE) is an internationally recognised climate change and energy...
The Black Summer bushfire season was exceptional in many ways. The fires, which impacted every state and territory in Australia, scorched more than 46 million acres of land, destroyed almost 10,000 buildings including 3,500 homes, killed an estimated 480 million mammals, birds and reptiles, and resulted in the deaths of at least 34...
