Indigenous Women in Trades

Irene Stanley is a business owner and founder of painting business, First Class Finish, in Alice Springs and Brisbane. Irene mentors and employs Indigenous women through trade certification in painting.

Looking to expand this vision to more trades, she invited Community First Development to walk alongside her to develop a website, create a business and strategic plan, and secure funding for additional training. With the support of two Community First Development volunteers, the new organisation now has a completed website and business plan, and has submitted three pending funding applications. The organisation’s strategic plan is developing well. Irene shared:

In the future, Irene hopes to acquire a space both for operations and to serve as a “safe place” for women.