Building connections through shared learning
Dozens of emerging leaders from the Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay communities are learning new skills to change their neighbourhoods for the better – thanks to support from the West Gate Neighbourhood Fund.
Participants recently joined a smoking ceremony and yarning circle at South Kingsville Community Centre before learning about how best to communicate, engage and build solidarity with First Nation communities.
The day, which featured cultural knowledge building with First Nation artist and educator Terori Hareko-Avaivilla and senior Wurundjeri elder Aunty Diane Kerr OAM, forms part of Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay Leads the Way program which is being run by Network West over 17 months.
Last year, Network West was successful in being awarded Partnerships funding to engage up to 75 community members across the Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong City Councils to foster community participation.
Elements of the program throughout the year include a leadership course that will give participants the skills they need to implement ideas, and support to link with neighbourhood houses to see their projects come to life.
There will also be a Masterclass in participatory community building which will look at Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) for Neighbourhood House managers, staff, volunteers and committee members delivered by Jeder Institute.
ABCD is a powerful, strengths-based approach to community engagement and development that uses the communities existing abilities and potential, rather than framing the engagement around their problems and deficits.
First Nation artist and educator Terori Hareko-Avaivilla says that the program will help to bring the community together.
“Building cultural knowledge and cultural safety goes both ways. This program is about supporting allies to have the courage to step into the space and initiate conversations.”
“It’s about ensuring our non-First Nations brothers and sisters have the courage to stand up and stand with First Nations people by challenging systems and talking about some uncomfortable truths,” Terori says.
See the full list of West Gate Neighbourhood Fund Partnerships stream recipients and projects.
Read more about how the West Gate Neighbourhood Fund is making a difference to communities in the West.