Bundjalung Tribal Society - NSW
From left to right: Tracey (Chairperson) Volunteer Paul, Melissa (Mel) Manager, and Senior Community Development Officer Gwen meet to talk about the community’s exciting plans.
Community First Development has been walking alongside the Bundjalung Tribal Society (BTS) in Lismore, NSW, on several exciting projects.
Our Senior Community Development Officer Gwen caught up with Tracey and Mel from BTS earlier this year, joining volunteers David, Paul, and Dr Tiley in a one-day workshop discussing three key community priorities:
Gaining approval from Ballina Shire Council to commence building BTS’s Cultural Hub.
Securing building approval for the BTS Elders Village.
Developing a BTS Business Prospectus to support grant funding applications, political lobbying, and future philanthropic conversations.
From their combined efforts, the community is already seeing remarkable results!
Great progress has been made with the BTS Local Government project, where Dr Tiley and fellow volunteer David are supporting BTS to navigate the regulatory challenges. These same volunteers are also helping secure building approval for the BTS Elders Village, with 75% of funding already attained through NSW Community Housing.
The recent workshop provided an opportunity for skilled volunteer Paul to meet up with the other volunteers, while collaborating with Tracey and Mel to develop the BTS Business Prospectus.
We were thrilled to receive such positive feedback from Tracey and Mel about their experience since inviting Community First Development to join their journey.
“This is truly a stepping stone moment that allows us to walk constructively together to achieve positive outcome for the future with the emphasis on incorporating Cultural Values and Community Health and Wellbeing.”