Connecting communities

for a brighter future

Will you join us in supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to
access the practical support and opportunities they seek to turn their dreams into reality?

2020 has taught us that connections matter.

They are central to who we are and how we view ourselves; and are essential for our physical and mental health and wellbeing.

It’s no wonder then that, despite the challenges throughout the year, we continue to find ways to remain connected to our loved ones and the things that are important to us.

Nairm Marr Djambana Aboriginal Gathering Place, located in Victoria, understands all too well the value of connections to build support networks, encourage healing, and strengthen cultural understanding and knowledge.

Nairm Marr Djambana means Gathering Place by the Bay and works to create a strong and healthy community that is connected to culture.

It offers an inclusive, safe and welcoming space for the local community to come together, meet, and learn through strengths-based programs, drop-in clinics (like mental health sessions), events and activities.

This giving season, you can join us in creating more success stories that connect communities for a stronger, healthier and brighter future with a gift.

We are thrilled to have been working with Niarm Marr Djambana since 2018 to develop their creative vision.

Our wonderful supporters made it possible for our community development team and skilled volunteers to partner with the Gathering Place to deliver an accounting project, a video sharing their story, and landscape design and architectural plans to create and revitalise spaces to meet community needs.

For Arpita, an experienced documentary maker, video journalist and producer, this was a particularly rewarding experience as it was her first Community First Development project.

You can join us in making dreams come true for more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with a gift.

Arpita reflected:

“Working with Nairm Marr Djambana's people has been a very grounding practice in kindness.

This tiny Gathering Place, tucked away at the end of the train line in Melbourne, truly does have a magical way of holding, comforting and eventually expanding everyone who walks through its doors.

I feel deeply indebted to Community First Development and Deb and all the beautiful women at Djambana for offering me this rare opportunity to be a part of it."

Chairperson, Deb, was equally grateful. She told us:

The support Community First Development has given us can't be measured. It has been unbelievable.”

What’s truly unbelievable is the commitment by Nairm Marr Djambana to continue offering programs despite lockdown.

Some of the projects running prior to COVID included weekly community lunches provided through their own catering business, Kirrup Playtime (a children’s group), and a women’s group.

They pivoted quickly to ensure the community remained connected, engaged and supported when they needed it most.

Weekly community lunches shifted online and vulnerable members of community received meals direct from the Gathering Place.

The weekly Kirrup playgroup also moved online, with staff dropping off activity supplies to the door. Even Yarning Circle groups have continued online.

Nairm Marr Djambana sought and secured funding for laptop computers and internet connections so that community members, who were unable to afford these tools, weren’t disadvantaged through the move to the online space.

When you donate to Community First Development you back Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities that are self-determined, resilient and resourceful.

Every project you support is 100% community initiated and driven so the outcomes are more sustainable – even in the face of challenges.

As we plan for the year ahead, we know that there are many more communities that seek the opportunities and expertise to bring their ideas to life.

As a charitable organisation trying to maximise our impact, we rely on the kindness of our wonderful supporters.

Will you join us in connecting more communities with the opportunities for a brighter future by making a donation today?

*photographs taken at NMDAGP’s Kirrup Playtime Garden Opening by Yanni at www.yanni.smugmug.com