Letter of progress

Written By Jim Crosthwaite

We write to update you on the growing success of our project Settler Families Giving Back. Our aim through ‘giving back’ is to actively support the aspirations of First Nations communities for place-based self-determination, capacity building and healing. Please consider helping our big 2026 project.

Our big 2026 project is to help Dardi Munwurro in Preston redevelop Aunty Alma's Gathering Place, which is host to community gatherings, including bi-weekly smoking ceremonies open to all. Dardi’s philosophy is centred on stronger families and safer communities. Aunty Alma’s is a place for positive interactions between First Nations folk and Allies, and together we take joy in watching local kindergarten children circle the fire. Come with us, or just turn up (9.30am M & F). We are providing seed funding for Aunty Alma’s project, confident that other families and individuals will also contribute. Australian Community Foundation have a fund for the project, and there is a local fund for the same purpose with Inner North Community Foundation.

In 2026, funds already given or in the pipeline include:

  • Gurwidj craft group at the Aborigines Advancement League to support teaching of sewing skills and making wheat bags to give to Elders during NAIDOC week in July. First Nations women now yarn with allies from Darebin Solidarity as they sew.

  • Grandmothers against Removals to ensure they can continue their great work In supporting families in urgent need of food or shelter.

  • Further support for Literacy for Life, an Aboriginal-run organisation training Aboriginal people to teach literacy to adults.

Other pleasing developments include:

  • Two other families are initiating action to 'give back' wealth as a result of our initiative.

  • We have received endorsements from leading writers Arnold Zable and Clare Land which will be included on a promotional flyer soon to be released. Our website is imminent.

  • Strong links to Darebin Solidarity with First Peoples, our local community network for justice, truth, treaty and voice for First Peoples of Australia.

  • Positive responses to our preliminary idea of working with other community foundations to establish their own Settler Families Giving Back funds to attract new donors wanting to ‘give back’.

  • Plans for yarning circles to be run by Woor-Dungin to help bring this all about. Woor-Dungin provide expertise in connecting First Nations organisations with sources of

    funds and pro-bono services. We’d love you to join one of their activities.

We plan to give you another update by the end of July. Meanwhile, feel free to connect with us:

Jim on 0488 956 506 Sandra on 0466 076 298. Email: settlerfgb@gmail.com

Jim Crosthwaite