Visual Dreaming

Community First Development’s Senior Community Development Officer Ruth has been working closely with Visual Dreaming, an entrepreneurial and ground-breaking Aboriginal small business and tech company that supports wellbeing for Aboriginal youth, led by their founder and CEO, Leanne Sanders.

Leanne is a proud Kamilaroi, Tati Tati, Wadi Wadi and Mutti Mutti woman who works tirelessly to support Aboriginal youth and Elders in the Wagga and Riverina.

Leanne is currently developing a revised business plan for Visual Dreaming and their new venture, Butterfly Dreaming, an emerging initiative aiming to support Aboriginal girls and young women with a range of holistic and culturally appropriate personal development programs. They are also looking into further opportunities to expand their tech programs. 

In July, Leanne and skilled business volunteer Paul spent time to connect and discuss business opportunities, challenges and directions. Working together on the banks of the beautiful Murrumbidgee River, Paul has been a wonderful mentor and is assisting Visual Dreaming to plan their next business ventures. With a professional background in business finance and accounting, hotel and hospitality management and senior leadership roles in higher education, Paul has a wealth of experience to offer Visual Dreaming at a pivotal time for their organisation.

Leanne says, ‘I am so grateful for Ruth and Community First Development for this support.’ It is a pleasure working with Leanne and Visual Dreaming as they navigate the many challenges for small businesses at the current time, while continuing to prosper and grow.  Leanne has also been instrumental in supporting Wiradjuri artistic director Joel Bray and Chunky Move dance company to coordinate dance workshops for local schools across the region, as well as her other community commitments. 

Leanne has also been working in tandem with volunteers Mem, a communications specialist, and Christine, an experienced mental health nurse, to develop a communications strategy and key messaging relevant to Visual Dreaming’s stakeholders and Aboriginal youth at risk, a project that continues as Visual Dreaming’s business plan develops alongside their communication tactics.