What's been happening in Western Australia
There’s some great work happening across Western Australia right now. We wanted to share a few stories that show what communities are achieving when they lead the way.
Eight Mile is creating opportunities for local community members
Community First Development volunteer Russell with community members from Eight Mile
Eight Mile is a community near Fitzroy Crossing with a really clear vision for its future. One of the big ideas they're working towards is refurbishing an existing industrial kitchen and turning it into a community-owned catering business. The hope is that it will create local jobs, build skills and open up new opportunities for people in the community.
They're also thinking beyond the kitchen. There are plans to explore a workshop space where people can develop practical skills, and potentially even a childcare centre in the future. It's all about making the most of the community's existing assets and creating opportunities that can benefit future generations.
Over the past year, Senior Community Development Officer Sharon has connected Eight Mile with volunteer Russell, who has worked closely with the team on strategic planning (now complete) and is now supporting funding applications to being the kitchen refurbishment to life.
What's been really special is the relationship that's developed along the way. Russell recently spent time with the team in Perth for a week of connecting with other organisations, visiting workplaces and seeing what possibilities might be available to Eight Mile. Hosted by former Community First Development community partner Ebenezer, with support from Dream a Dream, the week was about building relationships, sharing ideas and strengthening the team’s capacity.
Sharon says the relationship speaks for itself.
“They call Russell Uncle and Pop. It shows the relationship that’s been built.”
For Eight Mile, the vision is bigger than a refurbished kitchen or a new catering business. It’s about creating opportunities that are owned by the community and can grow over time, building skills, creating employment and strengthening the community’s independence for generations to come.
Growing Cosmic Culture
Volunteer Elle and Cosmic Culture founder Polly had the opportunity to connect, share stories, and strengthen their working relationship
Cosmic Culture is a Perth-based Aboriginal cultural arts and weaving business, founded by Polly, with a vision to grow while staying true to who they are and the culture they carry.
Community First Development has been working alongside Polly to strengthen the foundations of the business and support her plans for the future.
Earlier this year, we worked with Polly to develop a business plan, identifying some of the areas she wants to focus on as Cosmic Culture grows, including financial operations and strengthening their online presence.
Beyond business planning, we have also been supporting Polly to pursue new opportunities that align with her goals. Recently, Senior Community Development Officer Nikkeeta worked alongside volunteer Janelle to support Polly with a grant application focused on international cultural exchange. The opportunity could support Polly to share her culture with global audiences while continuing to build her skills, confidence and leadership.
Now, we’re supporting the development of a new website and online store that will bring their cultural stories, artist profiles, workshops and weaving products together in one place.
For Cosmic Culture, having their own online space is about more than reaching new audiences. It means being able to share their culture with people across Australia and internationally, while maintaining control over how their stories and cultural knowledge are shared.
Cosmic Culture is growing as a sustainable Aboriginal cultural arts business, with greater financial independence and the ability to share culture on their own terms.
New community partnership: Bindam Mie Cultural Foods
Robert, entrepreneur and founder of Bindam Mie Cultural Foods. Credit: Kimberley Cultural Adventures
Bindam Mie Cultural Foods is a new community partner we're excited to work with. Robert Dann has been sharing culture, Country and knowledge through his business Kimberley Cultural Tours where he offers rare, cultural insight into Broome's history. Now, he is building that foundation through Bindam Mie Cultural Foods.
Community First Development is supporting Robert’s vision to expand a cultural healing balm business that is already attracting customers across Australia and internationally.
The balms draw on traditional knowledge and native ingredients, with ongoing research exploring the benefits and uses of the plants involved. Demand continues to grow, and Robert's goal is to scale the business so it can reach more people while creating opportunities for his community.
Bindam Mie's long-term vision is to build a sustainable Indigenous-owned native foods and botanicals enterprise that creates economic opportunities for the Nyul Nyul people while caring for Country. The business aims to support local employment, strengthen cultural knowledge and create pathways for future generations to learn on Country.
Melaleuca leaf, shared by Robert. This native plant is used to make tea and is one of the ingredients featured in his products.
Volunteer Russell, who has supported several community-led projects across the Kimberley, is working closely with Robert on grant applications and business mentoring. Through the relationship they've built, Russell continues to provide guidance, supporting Robert to navigate the next stages of business development and stay focused on his long-term goals.
With the right funding, Robert hopes to invest in the infrastructure needed to expand production and grow the business. An important part of that vision is creating opportunities for young people to learn about native plants, cultural practices and business skills, ensuring knowledge and culture goes down the line to the next generations.
In the future, Bindam Mie hopes to see First Nations people involved across the entire supply chain, from harvesting and production through to packaging, marketing and sales, so that more economic value remains within communities. The goal is not only to build a successful business, but to create a model that other Traditional Owner groups can adapt, to build their own enterprises and economic opportunities.