Volunteering: the value it brings to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

Volunteer Sudharmo in action installing a fence around the Kurrawang Aboriginal Community children’s playground.

For almost 15 years, Sudharmo has been volunteering with Community First Development and passing on his skills to community members.

Excitingly, he’s completed yet another project, this time with Kurrawang, a self-governing Aboriginal Community in Western Australia.

Community First Development has worked with Kurrawang on a range of projects over the years including supporting them to create a new space for sports and activities by upgrading their playground and community facilities. Read more about it here.

Now they’re focusing on increasing safety and maintenance.

So what did Sudharmo get up to while volunteering at Kurrawang?

He assisted and supported with various activities including:

repairing and installing the irrigation system within the community.

painting community homes and buildings.

building and construction of benchtops and cupboards.

assisting with the repair and installation of fencing around the playground and swimming pool.

What were the outcomes?

On completion of the project the children of Kurrawang Aboriginal Community now have a safe playground to play in, which is fully fenced and free from roaming animals.

The swimming pool is now fully fenced, and children are unable to gain unsupervised access, improving safety.

The lawn areas and garden beds are now fully reticulated and set to a timer.

Kitchen benches and cupboards have been installed to facilitate the running of a small tuck shop.

Local homes, buildings and the front entrance of Kurrawang have been painted with Sudharmo passing on his skills to a talented young woman that could do well in a trade!

Sudharmo’s volunteering has supported Kurrawang to create a safer community and contributed to improving employment opportunities by passing on his skills.

“The assistance Sudharmo provided was impeccable along with the great skill provision to the community members that assisted with the activities,” Sharon, Senior Community Development Officer.

“The project didn't progress without a few hiccups which are going to be used as learning tools and teaching practices for future projects. Overall, a successful project with Sudharmo deserving a well-earned break!”