NAMBUCCA Valley not-for-profits (NFPs) will now have helping hands to assist in the development, implementation and evaluation of projects suggested as part of the Investing in Rural Community Futures (IRCF) program, with the appointment of two local facilitators.
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Nambucca Valley was chosen as one of three NSW communities to participate in the IRCF program, which was set up through a partnership between the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) and the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation (VFFF).
FRRR's IRCF program manager, Alli Mudford, said the organisation knows from experience how important it is to have someone local on the ground to support organisations in their own community and help turn these ideas into tenable solutions.
"One thing that we heard loud and clear from the Nambucca Valley community was how important it is to have local people and the traditional landowners, the Gumbaynggirr people, playing an integral part in this program," Ms Mudford said.
"That's why we are delighted to have Patricia Walker and Nancy Sposato joining the team as Nambucca Valley's community facilitators."
Patricia Walker is a local Aboriginal woman from Bowraville, who has served as chair for the MiiMi Aboriginal Corporation. Patricia has a wealth of experience in community development and a desire to see her community attract people and businesses who will invest in the future of the Nambucca Valley's people, its economy and its location.
Nancy Sposato lives in Nambucca Heads, where her experience in creative expression and community minded initiatives are demonstrated through the Nambucca Heads Arts Studio.
Nancy believes the IRCF program is a great opportunity for all NFPs to come together to celebrate what makes the Nambucca Valley remarkable and work towards refining systems that will continue to support their growth as a strong and vibrant community well into the future.
Both FRRR and VFFF had been inspired by the ideas that the Nambucca Valley community has put forward so far, but they are inviting more input on how to strengthen local NFPs. These suggestions will feed into a roadmap for the IRCF program moving forward.
Once all the ideas are in, local community groups will be invited to apply for grants for projects that are reflected in this community roadmap.
Ms Mudford said that FRRR staff and the newly appointed local facilitators will work closely with local organisations to support them to apply for grants.
"Each community we're working with is very different with their challenges, unique personalities and the depth and breadth of not-for-profits that work within its boundaries. FRRR's role in the IRCF journey is to act as facilitators and supporters, to enhance the ability of local leaders to deliver the change they wish to see," she said.
"It is absolutely a privilege to be working with the local leaders we've met in Nambucca Valley, and I can't wait to see what the future holds and how they turn these ideas into reality."
To share your suggestions on how to strengthen Nambucca Valley's NFPs and the community, contact IRCF program manager Alli Mudford on 0448 992-820, or IRCF program officer Tony Norman on 1800 170-020. Submissions close May 1.
Applications for the project grants based on the Nambucca Valley community roadmap open Monday, May 11.
More information is available on FRRR's website.
