A recent Women’s Giving Circle, run through local philanthropic organisation, the Northern Rivers Community Foundation (NRCF), has awarded funds to two local projects supporting First Nations initiatives.
Held at Newrybar Hall, organisers say the $25,000 Empowering Women and Girls Grant was awarded to The Returning Indigenous Corporation, with Kirilly Dawn pitching her project of culturally safe postpartum care for First Nations mothers, led by First Nations women.
NRCF Development & Engagement Manager, Lisa Machin, said, ‘The program includes consultations with dieticians and bush tucker knowledge holders to support 15 mothers and babies and 75 family members with nutrient-dense postpartum meals. Program referrals will be made from Aboriginal maternal infant health midwives.
Girls Rock Cabbo
A second grant of $15,000 was awarded to The Big Scrub Orchestra, with their Girls Rock Cabbo (Cabbage Tree Island) music program. Amanda Dumesny pitched the project, and said, ‘It was such a wonderful feeling to have the support and backing of this group of strong and accomplished women who are so passionate about lifting the opportunities for women and girls in the Northern Rivers’.
‘The Northern Rivers is one of the most beautiful parts of the world, yet there are still so many people doing it tough in so many ways. This gives those who are more fortunate the opportunity and satisfaction of sharing some of their resources to help lift our communities overall. There is a real joy that can come from that flow of giving and receiving that can build quality of life for people on both sides of the equation.
‘The wonderful partnerships and relationships that are formed can enrich both parties’, Dumesny said.
Pooled funds
Members of the Giving Circle each make a tax-deductible donation and the funds are pooled to create the annual Women and Girls Grant Program, with two finalists pitching their projects to the Circle.
Circle members then vote to award the grants.
To become a member of the Women’s Giving Circle or find out more, visit nrcf.org.au, or email [email protected].
