Selecting just ten worthy groups to be the recipients of the $201,000 of grant money from this year’s inGrained charitable foundation set up by Stone & Wood was no easy task.
Receiving the grants were a range of volunteer and not-for-profit organisations, including Coolamon Community (who provide care packages for new Aboriginal mums), environmental groups, and Queer Family.
Evie Woods is co-founder and president of Coolamon Community. Her great-grandmother was part of the stolen generations, and her mother was removed from her Aboriginal father.
‘I started Coolamon Community after I had just given birth,’ she told The Echo.
After distributing the care packages between Ballina and Casino, Evie says, ‘I had a conversation with Pam Brook from Brookfarm, and Pam said, “let’s get this happening in a business way”, and we got some really good sponsors, and we are able to now put together bundles at a cost of about $250 that are worth over $1,000 retail.’
Coolamon Community is an all-volunteer organisation and works with the midwives of the Aboriginal Health Service.
Queer Family in Mullumbimby were also a funding recipient, and are now assured of a 12 month rental after the Queer Family Clubhouse in Mullum was destroyed during the 2022 floods.
‘We are very excited,’ managing director, Aiden Gentle, told The Echo.
‘This means we will be able to stabilise as an organisation, run workshops and collaborate with other organisations, and provide a safe space for people to come together.’
‘It is a privilege to connect and be part of the work you are doing over the next 12 months,’ said Executive Director of inGrained, Jasmin Daly.
‘It feels great to collaborate and connect with people doing such amazing work in our region.’
On the road
Looking at expanding their commitment to the Northern Rivers in response to overwhelming requests Mullumbimby’s Shedding Community Workshop will now be getting on the road.
‘We are going to build a mobile workshop on the back of a truck,’ said founder Sophie Wilksch.
‘We are going to travel throughout the Northern Rivers and teach people to set up all inclusive community workshops and repair cafes. Lismore is our first stop and we will be going to Wardell, Murwillumbah etc at their request.’
‘Thank you to inGrained for supporting all these community groups,’ Fingal Head Coastcare president Richard Roberts told the gathering.
‘It is community groups like this that is the glue that keeps out communities together.’
Other organisations who benefited from the grants include Mullumbimby’s Shedding Community Workshop, Bangalow Koalas, Dementia Inclusive, Green Heroes, Human Nature Adventure Therapy, and Rainforest Rangers.
For more info visit www.ingrainedfoundation.com.au.
