A special 'Gathering Place by the Bay'
Continuing our work with Nairm Marr Djambana Aboriginal Gathering Place.
We shared in a recent edition of Stepping Stones about the projects your support has made possible with Nairm Marr Djambana (meaning ‘Gathering Place by the Bay’) in Frankston, VIC. The organisation is doing great work to provide Aboriginal and Torres Strait lslander families with a safe cultural space to meet up through activities such as community lunches and children’s playgroups.
With your generosity, Community First Development (formerly ICV) has partnered with the Gathering Place to provide volunteers skilled in landscape design, architecture and accounting. Nairm Marr Djambana Chairperson, Deb, told us how the organisation’s rapid growth over the last two years has made the Board realise the need to ensure their governance continues to grow, and their organisational direction aligns with the aspirations of the community.
That’s why we are now continuing to work alongside the Gathering Place on two important projects – Community First Development volunteer, Diane, is assisting in the development of their Business Plan and board governance, while Community First Development volunteer, Arpita, is working with the group to create their first promotional video.
“We felt there was an important story to be told
to our stakeholders. We approached Community First Development and they have been able to provide us with two very highly skilled volunteers, Diane and Arpita. Both volunteers have been culturally respectful, and we have great appreciation and gratitude for their time, patience and expertise. The support Community First Development have given us can’t be measured. It has been unbelievable.”
“This Gathering Place truly does have a magical way of holding, comforting and expanding everyone who walks through its doors. I feel deeply indebted to Community First Development and Deb and all the beautiful women at Djambana to be a part of it.”
“As a Community First Development volunteer, I feel privileged to work alongside a great bunch of people who are totally committed to community development.”
