Indigenous Community Volunteers

When Canberra health campaigner Bob Huddleston, sought to promote his education products and Aboriginal art and music produced by family and friends, he didn’t know where to start.

Bob had been suffering from diabetes for many years and his health was quickly deteriorating making even more reliant on his wife Meg, who he had been married to for 44 years.

Meg, heard about Indigenous Community Volunteers (ICV) and soon developed a business plan with the help of a skilled volunteer. Using the business plan they secured a grant which helped free up resources to establish a family business the Burrunji Aboriginal Corporation (BAC).

The next step was developing a website with Perth-based ICV volunteer, Kamera Raharaha.

Unfortunately Bob died from kidney failure just as the plan was being realised.

“He’d be surprised at how quickly the business plan has developed,” said Meg.

Membership of BAC is open to any Aboriginal artist with quality products to sell (Burrunji refers to spectacular cliff range in Arnhem Land north east of Katherine).

The corporation’s website eflects the philosophy of ICV which does things with Indigenous people, not for them.

“The website gives members another medium to display their art and develop it under their terms and conditions; in their words,” added Kamera.

The site promotes a DVD, other products and services that Bob helped produce about the insidious affects of diabetes and the importance of healthy eating. It targets young people. Burrunji also employs a carer who provides one-on-one support for Indigenous families.

Meg Huddleston has hosted Kamera when she has been in Canberra for the Burrunji Aboriginal website development project.

“We’ve got to work but have also had a bit of fun,” said Kamera.

“We’ve had great conversation and beautiful meals. She feeds me well. There’s that sharing,” she added, waving her hands with enthusiasm.

“Kamera is a good teacher. I can’t believe I have learnt and done what I have done. Who knows what will happen now with our art and other programs,” said Meg.