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 your community?
The term "neighbourhood" feels very different from what I remember from my childhood. An increasingly digital world means we are more connected than ever-- yet somehow, we sometimes lose touch with our immediate community.
Those around us in our neighborhoods will be the people we turn to in times of emergency. A severe weather event can cut off power, telecommunications and access. We will need those around us.
How do we strengthen these ties?
The academics might call this "social capital" or "cohesion", but we call it something easier to remember - small sparks.
Saying hello to a neighbour and talking about the shared garden. Small spark.
Asking your favourite barista's name. Small spark.
Volunteering at a local event. Small spark.
Visiting your local library and chatting about the latest community event. Small spark.
Connecting to a club in your area. Small spark.
You get the idea.
Small sparks can ignite stronger bonds when the time comes.
You might need to step up for your community in an emergency, and these connections you've made will become crucial.
I think that’s pretty powerful.
As we all prepare for the end of year holidays, let’s take a moment to pause, and think about who our local support network is within our community.
What small sparks will you put into your day?
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 in 2023 where she first met the program team and her mentor, Liz Reece, in Broome. Liz is an experienced professional in the textile industry, who has provided valuable insights along the way.
In July, Newmont Telfer provided the opportunity for Corina to showcase her fashion collection and work with the Martu program at the Newmont offices in Perth for a NAIDOC week celebration. Newmont staff enjoyed Corina’s presentation and many stayed behind to talk with Corina and view her portfolio.
Corina then spent the week with Brigitte to work with professionals in the fashion industry. These included Textile Lab, who are helping to print her designs onto fabric and sew the garments together at their textile factory.
Corina and Brigitte also visited Siricin Silks to choose fabrics for the designs. Brigitte said: “We had a great week visiting industry professionals to further Corina’s journey to help her first collection of garments become a reality. Corina is growing in confidence in talking about her work. We met with professionals in the industry who were incredibly impressed by her dedication and the creativity and quality of her work.”
Corina continues to build her networks in the First Nations fashion scene in WA. In late August, Corina was invited to be involved in a Kirrikin fashion show held at the Fortescue Festival at Newman. Corina met with the Kirrikin team in Newman and was given the opportunity for a behind the scenes industry experience which will be valuable when Corina comes to show her own garments.
Young community members learnt how to be a model for the day, walking the catwalk wearing Kirrikin's latest designs. Corina said the event was “an inspiring, memorable and uplifting experience”. “The event provided a welcome moment of beauty and creativity, which I truly appreciated.”
Image: Corina and Amanda Healy (Director, Kirrikin) meeting at Kirrikin studio in Perth to discuss Corina’s fashion designs
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, QLD Chief Executive Julie Sturgess said the Resilient Care Program aims to reduce the negative health impacts of natural disasters in four local government areas across Wide Bay and Central Queensland. These areas were chosen for their unique community strengths and the high prevalence of natural disasters, with the program leveraging the communities' strong networks, adaptability, and local knowledge to boost resilience. By integrating community-led primary health support into existing disaster preparedness, response, and recovery phases, the program ensures that communities are at the centre of shaping their climate-readiness journey.
‘Residents in the Fraser Coast, Bundaberg, Rockhampton, and Livingstone areas are no stranger to natural disasters and have shown incredible strength in recent years through repeated disaster events, including tropical cyclones, widespread flooding and devastating bushfires,’ said Ms Sturgess.
‘The impacts of these events on property and infrastructure are well known, but many people also face significant disruption to their health due to natural disasters, particularly for vulnerable populations whose health is already compromised or who face barriers in accessing healthcare services.
‘Building community connections is at the core of the Resilient Care Program, as communities with strong social connections cope better with the shocks and stresses of extreme events and recover more quickly, which supports better health outcomes overall,’ said Ms Sturgess.
‘Over the next three years, Resilient Care will tap into under-utilised community resources, such as neighbourhood centres, community groups, local businesses, and primary health providers such as GPs and pharmacies, to integrate these skills and assets into existing disaster management efforts.
ABV Chief Executive Officer Liz Mackinlay said ABV was delighted to partner with Country to Coast, QLD, and bring their wealth of experience in community-led disaster resilience building.
‘Our team is ready to facilitate important conversations and bring specialised support from our network of business volunteers alongside community projects in Queensland,’ said Ms McKinlay.
As the lead agency for Resilient Care, Country to Coast, QLD will build on existing partnerships with community leaders and organisations, local governments, health and hospital services, primary healthcare providers, and emergency services in the target local government areas to develop a whole-of-community response.
Mr Sturgess said project partners will collaborate in early 2025 to facilitate a community-led health resilience assessment, identifying specific actions that strengthen a local response to extreme events.
‘While we can’t predict specific priorities that any community will choose, potential actions could include a community-led senior buddy system, where older adults are paired with younger, more physically capable individuals who can help them during emergencies; or cultural competency training for emergency responders and healthcare professionals to promote cultural sensitivity during a disaster response,’ said Ms Sturgess.
‘Other examples could be training in mental health first aid for community groups, so they can better support those struggling with the impacts of disaster events, or financial literacy programs to help individuals and families better prepare for and recover from financial challenges associated with disasters,’ said Ms Sturgess.
‘The key thing is that this is not a one-size-fits-all exercise. We are excited to tap into local knowledge and innovation and to support each community in creating their own tailored resilience-building approach,’ said Ms Sturgess.
Ms Sturgess said the insights and lessons learned from Resilient Care would be available to the rest of the country, providing a blueprint for other agencies and community organisations to better protect their communities in the face of climate change impacts.
‘In the interim, though, as we approach the summer natural disaster season, I urge all residents to make sure they are well-prepared with a household emergency plan, emergency kit and important medications within reach,’ said Ms Sturgess.
Visit Get Ready Queensland at www.getready.qld.gov.au for more information about preparing for natural disasters.
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 learned how to make rope, craft tools, and even mimic bird calls. A truly enriching experience.
Thank you to the Undalup team and Rawa Community School for making us part of such a meaningful cultural exchange.
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 Guinea. This initiative is part of CPL Foundation’s ongoing commitment to empowering women through education, healthcare, and economic development.
The Business Mentoring Program, set to run from November 2024 to April 2025, is designed to enhance the business acumen, leadership skills, and operational strategies of women entrepreneurs. Through a blend of in-person workshops and online mentoring, the program will provide personalised guidance, practical tools, and the opportunity to build peer networks that foster business growth and sustainability.
Liz Mackinlay, ABV CEO, emphasized the significance of this partnership:
"The Business Mentoring Program represents an essential focus for ABV—supporting women entrepreneurs in PNG through our ABV Business mentors. We are proud to help bring this vision to life with CPL Foundation to further the strengths and ambitions of women business leaders across PNG."
Key features of the program include:
ABV brings over 40 years of experience in delivering business support programs across the Asia-Pacific region, aimed at strengthening communities through business. Their expertise in capacity building, combined with CPL Foundation’s mission to empower women and girls, promises to create lasting change for participating businesses.
CPL Foundation Inc., established in 2014, has been at the forefront of empowering communities in Papua New Guinea through various initiatives. This partnership with ABV aligns with its focus on fostering economic empowerment for women, ensuring that participants are equipped with the skills and confidence to succeed in a competitive business environment.
“We are proud to partner with ABV on this exciting initiative,” said Deborah Alois, CPL Foundation Manager. “This program will not only provide women-led businesses with essential tools and mentoring but will also contribute to the broader development of PNG’s economy by fostering innovation and leadership among women entrepreneurs.”
The program officially launched on Monday 4 November 2024, with participants engaging in an initial in-person 4 days workshop followed by continuous support through online mentoring and group sessions. This initiative will further strengthen the role of women in PNG’s economic landscape, promoting a more inclusive and dynamic business environment.
About CPL Foundation Inc
CPL Foundation Inc. is the philanthropic arm of CPL Group, established to empower women and girls through education, healthcare, and economic initiatives. Since 2014, the Foundation has supported various communities and organizations across PNG. Empowering communities through accessible education and literacy, comprehensive healthcare services, and economic opportunities that drive sustainable growth, CPL Foundation remains committed to making a lasting impact on the lives of Papua New Guineans.
About ABV
"Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) is a not-for-profit international development agency bringing over 40 years’ experience across the Asia Pacific region in community transformation, with a focus on sustainable and inclusive economic growth, through place-based planning and locally led development. Our team of international development specialists and associates, in collaboration with our 300+ volunteer network of skilled volunteers, work collaboratively with our community and private sector partners to deliver impactful, practical and sustainable outcomes.
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 this cycle.
It's time to create a "sacred space" for collaboration—a space where the focus shifts from competing for resources to creating real community impact.
It means putting aside the need to protect our own turf and coming together with a shared purpose.
We've seen firsthand how powerful this can be.
When we met with the team at Fire to Flourish, we quickly realised we shared a vision for disaster resilience and a dream for Australia’s preparedness and social cohesion.
This is what it looks like in practice: setting aside our individual agendas and coming together with a shared purpose.
In silos we are fragmented—but in pooling our resources, knowledge, and expertise, we can create solutions that are far greater than the sum of their parts.
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 equity into both our organisations and the work we do.
On Friday, Liz spoke on a panel discussing "Equity in Governance." She posed the question: "How can we collaborate at a governance level, ensuring we still manage risk, protect purpose, and create space for the community?"
Liz emphasised, "We need to flip governance from being all about compliance and checking boxes to focus on achieving our purpose and who are the people apart of it. Once we put that first, we can bring governance around that."
Congratulations to CCQ - Country to Coast QLD for hosting the Equity Co-Lab, and to Julie Sturgess and Olivia Naughtin for this great innovation. Thank you to fellow panellists Sarah Callaghan, Thalep Ahmat, and Marion Wands.
We're excited to participate in the emerging community of practice around equity.
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 year. Senior Program Manager Brigitte White and Program Coordinator Garth Preece, together with Martu Liaison leaders Sharon Bieundurry and Noeletta Lee, work with volunteers skilled in business and industry.
Together, they bring business development, education and open-up networks to Martu communities in the Western Desert and Fitzroy Valley/Kimberley regions.
The ABV program team and volunteers work alongside Martu community participants throughout their business journey, starting from the initial ideas stages through to preparing for the launch of their businesses.
The program also offers educational opportunities in financial literacy and developing the skills necessary for starting and operating a business.
The team works across diverse sectors, such as small business, civil works, dry hire, mine rehabilitation, seed collecting, First Nations fashion and art, music, cultural awareness, and education.
The team works closely with Newmont Telfer’s Social Performance team, and industry stakeholders and organisations such as Money Mob Talkabout Limited, Ngurra Kujungka and Indigenous Business Australia to create networks and support for businesses in the region.
Indigenous Business Month ︱Newmont Australia ︱#IndigBizMonth #10yearsofIBM #MakingOurMark
Image above: Left to Right – Brigitte White (ABV, Senior Program Manager), Desmond Taylor (Martu Artist), Daniel Tincknell (Newmont Telfer, Manager Social Performance), Sabino Andriani (Newmont Telfer, Superintendent Social Performance
See Desmond's latest exhibition with Helen Seiver here: 2024 | another way Helen Seiver
another way is the culmination of a unique collaboration and the coming together of distinct yet indelibly connected life experience.
For the past four years, Desmond Taylor and Helen Seiver have worked together on a profound artistic journey of forgiveness and healing. Together, they have sat on country at Nullagine in the Pilbara. They have talked, performed rituals and collaborated on artwork. They have learnt from each other, leant on each other and gradually walked together toward another way; a sensitive and perceptive way forward that gently disrupts the bonds of colonial determination.
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 as they launched C-4-U Technology, an electronics shop that repair and sell refurbished tech items. Their business is not only about fixing tech, but they also aim to educate, upskill and connect their community to the digital world. Offering upskilling classes to the younger population on digital technology repair - an incredibly valuable and employable skill. The couple work with a large customer base, from local households to government offices, with a passion to make technology accessible for all.
Digital disparity is a reality for many who are left behind as technology evolves, which can create isolation and exclusion in our communities.
In 2024, Alexander and Emma enrolled in the YES GROW, a business skills program offered by the Bank of South Pacific (BSP) Samoa in partnership with Australian Business Volunteers (ABV). The partnership provides BSP banking clients with the opportunity to learn business skills from expert volunteers at ABV.
The program sets businesses up for long-term success with ongoing coaching and mentoring support.
Alexander said “The one-to-one sessions with the business volunteers who facilitated the trainings was a great opportunity for us to ask questions, to enable us to continue improving and moving forward with our business.”
Although the couple are tech-savvy, the program strengthened their business fundamentals like managing costs, keeping good records, and marketing.
Taking part in the BSP ABV Yes Grow program, has enabled Alexander and Emma to understand the requirements of their small business and how to improve their processes. In turn, enabling them to create a space where people of all ages can come together to learn.
C-4-U Technology is now gradually growing, supported by expert volunteers and driven by the passion of Alexander and Emma.
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.
Afa operates his business from his home in Siusega, where he grows flowers in his garden. This personal touch comes through in his work.
However, Afa finds it challenging not to have a central location to attract more business; therefore, opening a shop has become one of his main goals.
As his reputation grows, he has secured bigger clients, caters to major events like Miss Samoa, and will provide floral arrangements for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) venue in October 2024.
Through a partnership with the Samoa Tourism Authority, Afa discovered that teaching brings him joy. He is currently sharing his skills by offering floral arrangement training to businesses and individuals in the hotel industry.
Afa credits the YES GROW program, which he participated in this year, for helping him see his business as more than just a hobby,. The YES GROW program, delivered in partnership by BSP Samoa and Australian Business Volunteers (ABV), provides BSP banking clients with the opportunity to learn business skills from expert small business volunteers at ABV.
"The program has opened my eyes to things that I didn't know before, particularly on how to manage finances and marketing," says Afa.
With ongoing support from ABV’s skilled business volunteers, Afa is focused on expanding Muaimalae Florist and building his network of corporate and government clients.
