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 huge thank you to our dedicated team and partners—this win is for you!
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 to engineers and are here to help find solutions and map business plans for sustainable economic growth.
Partnering with Deakin University, along the journey we’ll gather insights to understand how business and skilled volunteering strengthen community resilience.
This program is jointly funded by the Victorian Government through the Disaster Ready Fund and ABV.
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 fish became a calling, one that would change her life and the lives of those around her.
Iliana’s move to Labasa with her husband, Ioane Latianara, was initially driven by their children’s education. Ioane, hailing from Taveuni, supported her decision when she discovered her passion for fish vending in 2011.
At that time, her younger sister, Susana Duguci, had already established a stall.
Inspired by her sister’s success and the realization that she wanted to help her family, Iliana decided to start selling fish too. What started as a short trial became a lifelong commitment after she experienced the joy of running her own business.
The path wasn’t always smooth. In 2015, Iliana acquired her own table in the Labasa market after an elderly man sold his stall to her for $300.
Until then, she had been sharing her sister’s space. Like many budding entrepreneurs, Iliana faced challenges, especially with fierce competition and the complexities of running a business with no prior experience.
But what set Iliana apart was her unwavering determination to learn and grow.
Through the Fiji THRIVE program jointly designed by BSP and the Australian Business Volunteers, Iliana gained essential skills in customer service, cash flow management, and savings that she wishes she had learned earlier in her journey.
“If I had been doing this for years, I would have made so much more money,” she says, reflecting on how valuable the lessons were. Iliana’s business, aptly named Iliana Enterprise, offers a range of locally sourced fish, including ulavi, kabatia, and sabutu.
She buys her products from the hardworking fishermen of Naduri, ensuring that her business supports the local community and economy.
Despite the challenges, she managed to expand her business in 2017 to open Stall No.8 at Suva’s Bayley Bridge fish market.
As a woman in business, Iliana understands the unique pressures of balancing work with family responsibilities.
She is a proud mother of five children, ranging from 18 to 30 years old, and she also has a grandchild.
Iliana’s strength and perseverance are what guide her in running her business while also maintaining a nurturing role within her family.
Her long-term goal is to continue expanding Iliana Enterprise. Sustainability and quality are at the core of her business model and she sees her success as a way to empower other women in the community.
“Start a business only if it’s in your gut,” she advises. “You have to make up your mind because whatever you set out to do will benefit your children, family and your community”.
Iliana’s story is one of passion and perseverance.
From humble beginnings to a thriving fish vending business, she has shown that with determination, anyone can succeed.
Source: BSP Financial Group Limited
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 and effects after the fires, and we won't know the long-term impacts of this for many years to come.
This isn't someone else's problem.
But there is hope.
Our consultations with the community show how many grassroots projects are standing up to solve complex issues with localised energy grids, food banks, portable solar stations, and so much more.
Funding for recovery seems limited to 3-year cycles, which is not long enough to support these incredible grassroots projects, so despite the ingenuity and persistence of community groups, they are at risk of folding.
We must not ignore or under fund these projects.
They are critical for maintaining and building social cohesion and in the next weather event.
Their importance cannot be overstated.
The time for resourcing these initiatives is now.
#HowWeSurvive
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 Fiji's economy.
The Fiji THRIVE program is all about helping these businesses grow stronger and more resilient, making sure BSP’s support has a lasting impact across Fiji and the Pacific.
Over the past two years, nearly 100 people—80% of them women—have gained valuable skills through our programs in Fiji.
Together, we're committed to empowering local businesses and building a more resilient future.
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 community, we first need to understand the landscape, ask what is needed, and then sit and listen. Once we have a deep understanding, we can bring our resources where they will work best.
It was great to see some familiar faces of people we had previously connected with while working in Victoria. Authentic relationships are how we build trust, which is essential for our support to work.
The team met with representatives from Swifts Creek Community Centre, Wairewa Hall, Gippsland Shire Council, Future of Orbost & District, Benambra Community Neighbourhood House, Omeo and Lakes Entrance.
Each town we visited presented its unique set of challenges and strengths, but what was truly inspiring was the shared spirit of resilience and innovation. This unity in diversity is a powerful reminder of the incredible potential within our regional communities.
Our team feel privileged to have witnessed this firsthand and are excited about the future of these communities.
Neil and George are pictured at the community BBQ with Louise Oswald from the Royal Flying Doctor Service and Maxine Kelly from Deakin University (Resilient Regions Program Partner).
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 football, softball, and basketball.
The festival included performances by local musicians and community members, such as the Kiwirrkurra band, Jigalong Band, and Wild Dingo Band.
Congratulations to the Parnngurr Swans Tigers for their victory in the Softball Competition, and to the Warralong Bombers for winning the AFL football competition.
Image credit: Wangkinpali
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 to our community in a practical way, proud to work for an organisation that supports such great community based initiatives “
The wider Clothing The Gaps team, including Gunditjmara woman Laura Thompson, (CEO and Co-Founder), and Sarah Sheridan (Deputy CEO and Co-Founder), were excited to see the full delivery of outcomes achieved and presented by the NAB volunteers.
Laura says, "We are deeply impressed by the NAB team's dedication to understanding our business intricately. Their insights and strategic recommendations have created paths forward for Clothing The Gaps. We are grateful for this partnership and excited about the future impact it promises."
This program is made possible through Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) partnership with NAB, which has developed over the last seven years. Working with First Nations organisations is a crucial part of our collaboration.
Click here to enquire about our Corporate Strategy Challenges
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.
Expanding on the success of this program in New South Wales, we are now turning our attention to the East Gippsland region of Victoria to determine where our business support would be most beneficial. The community of East Gippsland was heavily impacted by the 2020 fires and continues to endure the ongoing effects of the disaster.
The Program was jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales governments through the Disaster Risk Reduction Fund (DRRF)
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 the YES Bisnis program—a small business training initiative, equipping local entrepreneurs with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed.
Dr Bea Duffield has been a volunteer for ABV for 11 years and encouraged her husband, Gavin Blakely, to join ABV in 2019. They have delivered two YES training sessions together and are keen to continue creating positive impacts in the Pacific.
"Our workshop is interactive with activities and reflection sessions. Participants gain practical skills and actionable insights that they can immediately apply to their businesses," Gavin said, with Bea adding, "And we have a lot of fun too during the sessions!"
The program is funded by Newmont Corporation and delivered through the Apeketon Business Hub on Lihir.
