Annalise and I will blog about this initiative over time, whilst Annalise will also blog about her ongoing work. Here’s the first of Annalise’s blogs.
‘I was in the Indigenous community of Cherbourg (three hours out of Brisbane) last week, talking about my Whole of Community Change initiative.
I felt so privileged to share with community members the successes that had occurred in Napranum when they had undergone the Whole of Community Change process.
I pointed out that, “Whole of community change starts with you; each of you making a commitment to make it clear what's important to You.”
I said that each of them needed to ask, “What are my core values? What can I contribute? What's the one thing I want my kids to remember me for? What is it that's so fundamentally important to me?”
I emphasised that if people's ideas and actions came from these values they couldn't go wrong.
The aim of Napranum's people was to move away from relying on welfare and on institutions providing services. And they have now started to do just that.
There’s was a Story about changing from a mindset of institutionalised control, fear and welfare dependency, to a mindset of self-determination, belonging and ownership.
The same desire is present in Cherbourg. They too have been suffering from paternalism, over-servicing, control and intervention. They too want self-determination and true community ownership.
I was really struck by the willingness and acceptance of the Cherbourg Council.
They know that creating financial stability alongside community growth is the answer to addressing the negative social indicators in their community.
This community is rich in resources, rich in people who are capable, willing and desiring more in their lives and their community. Yet the community is challenged by a staggering 80% unemployment rate!
The people shared with me that they sadly lack the opportunity to reach their potential. They are seeking a roadmap for change. Whole of Community Change gives them just that.
Cherbourg wants to become engaged in a Whole of Community of Change process and now await funding to help them get started and open up a whole new world for themselves.’
Please see pages 12-13 of the attached document.