BE started working in Bowraville in 2008. Our first program focused on improving the antenatal health of young Mums and their unborn babies. In 2009 we were invited to work more broadly across the town.
From the outset BE understood that there would be no ‘quick fix’ for dealing with the challenges that exist in Bowraville. We were also keenly aware that indigenous communities are tired of well-meaning organisations like BE coming into their community with projects and ‘solutions’, staying for a year or two and then leaving, in the end, mostly doing more harm than good. It was clear we’d need to stay for the long haul and work at the pace of community, at the same time building trust and responding to the emergent patterns that arose. We also knew it was critical to empower the community to be the change leaders and that this would involve increased options and opportunities for behavioural change, patience and determination. We know change takes time and isn’t linear or predictable. In 2010 BE made an eight-year commitment to stay and work in Bowraville.
The Bowraville strategy involves arts-led social enterprise and developing the town’s capacity to build social cohesion, skills and create jobs. We have established several micro-enterprise opportunities. The enterprises include textiles, digital media, metals and environmental design and a shop/gallery space in the main street, which is now the hub of BE’s work.
In 2010 BE employed 48 people in full time, part time and casual positions. 57% of those employed are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Of the nine full time positions, six are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
Most of the participants come from backgrounds of extreme cross-generational disadvantage. They have generally had negative experiences with the education system and a job has never been an option.
The initial stages of the Bowraville strategy has been funded through the Department of Employment, Education and Work Place Relations (Jobs Fund), the Australia Council for the Arts, Communities NSW, Arts NSW and a mix of philanthropic donors including the Caledonia Foundation, the Westpac Foundation and the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation (100 year Grandchildren Celebration Grant).
One of our major projects during 2010 was the restoration of the park on the edge of the Aboriginal Mission. We also conducted several training workshops, including creative media and screen, construction and woodwork, Cert IV in Training and Assessment, horticulture training, as well as business services and visual arts and production projects, including the park restoration and our Indigenous young mums’ project. Several arts led enterprises were trialled and many will be developed further during 2011.
The arts enterprise work will become more demanding and structured this year through informal and formal training via the North Coast Institute of TAFE.
