Grassroots Projects

2024 Participant of the Year - Adam our Grassroots Hero! “Grassroots didn’t just help me find a job—they gave me my life back. They believed in me when I couldn’t believe in myself. They supported me through every step of my recovery and showed me that I could overcome my past and build a future I’m proud of. Today, I’m clean, employed, and connected to my family in a way I thought I’d lost forever.” “Without the support I was given, I’m not too sure where I would sit right now. What I do know is my life today is very very very very good.” Adam, a proud 51-year-old Waka-Waka/Willi-Willi man, came to Grassroots seeking a path to stability after a series of life challenges left him unemployed and disconnected from his family. Adam had turned to substances as a coping mechanism and this led to a deterioration in his health, negatively impacted his connection to his family and meant he was unable to find or maintain employment. His situation grew dire as he faced the potential loss of his family and his home. Ask Adam and he will tell you that he had lost himself. When he was first referred to Grassroots we could see his genuine desire for change and to get back to the person he knew himself to be. His decision to attend the program marked the beginning of his remarkable journey toward recovery, personal growth and stable employment. Adam committed to attending a detox program. The Grassroots team linked Adam’s family in as part of his care plan. This resulted in joint sessions and ongoing conversations aimed at strengthening Adam’s family connection. It was easy to see that this was a key pillar for Adam and one that we used as the foundation for his healing journey. Despite the challenges along the way, Adam persevered and remained committed to sobriety. Concurrently, Grassroots connected Adam with culturally relevant outpatient services and medical professionals to address his health issues. Adam’s resilience was evident when he pursued traffic control certification, Grassroots provided further assistance by arranging custom work boots and referring him to physiotherapy, alleviating his foot pain and enabling him to work comfortably. Adam’s partner remained a vital support system throughout his journey, they both engaged with Grassroots to ensure he had the resources needed for sustained recovery and stability. Adam’s commitment and engagement with these supports allowed him to achieve and retain full-time employment in traffic control. Reflecting on his journey, Adam shares, “Gaining employment has changed my life in every way—it brought me stability, health, and, most importantly, a connection to my family that I almost lost. I’m driven every day to continue, not just for myself but for them.” Adam’s story is a testament to the transformative power of determination and support, illustrating the critical role Grassroots played in helping him reclaim his life and achieve long-term stability APM Employment Services

Thank you, Jenny-Lee, for your thoughtful feedback. It was a privilege to collaborate with Wise in supporting more of our mob on their healing journey. Together, we’re building stronger communities through culturally informed care and meaningful employment opportunities. #WorkforceAustralia #EmploymentServices #IndigenousEmployment #TraumaInformedCare #BuildingStrongCommunities #CulturalWisdom

We’ve had the privilege of delivering our Connecting the Dots workshop across many parts of the country, and our recent experience in Adelaide with WISE Employment stands out as a particularly meaningful milestone. Collaborating with the WISE team to bring our trauma-informed approach to a group eager to embrace personal and collective growth. The engagement and openness of participants highlighted the power of connection and resilience in fostering transformation. Coming together in a setting where many faced challenges of self-doubt and disconnection, we were moved by the progress made throughout the workshops. By the final session, the bonds formed were so strong that participants left not only with tools for personal development but also a renewed sense of community and purpose. It was a vivid reminder of the strength that emerges when people come together with shared determination to grow. The core themes of Connecting the Dots reflect our dedication to holistic empowerment and culturally informed practices. We believe that by strengthening individuals, we help build stronger communities, and every transformation we witness affirms this belief. Adelaide, through the partnership with WISE, exemplified how impactful this journey can be. Big thankyou to Emma Murray, Eva Kuricova and the rest of the team. Broc Martin Jenny-lee Kelly Michael Johnston

Congratulations to Judi McConville, the winner of our giveaway at the NESA Conference last week! Judi took home this deadly painting titled The Emu Clan by the talented Lurlene Langton Chapman. About the Artist Lurlene Langton Chapman is a proud Wakka Wakka woman originally from Cherbourg, now living on Jarowair and Gaibal Country in Toowoomba. Her art beautifully captures the spirit of acknowledgment of Country, aiming to inspire communities and young Indigenous people to connect with culture. The Emu Clan Meaning: The Emu Clan represents a group united by kinship and the Emu Spirit's legacy, symbolizing ancestral guidance, unity, and wisdom. Storyline/Poem "As we walk in the footsteps of the emu, We are reminded of our ancestral ties. Listen to the land and you will become wise. It guides us through life's mysteries and trials. For in the heart of the outback, where the emu roams free, Just be patient and listen to the ancestors, and you will see That they are here to guide and protect us And strengthen us to what we will be." Thank you to Lurlene for sharing her incredible work, and congratulations again to Judi! #NESA

Did you know? The name Gympie comes from the Aboriginal word "gimpi gimpi," a reference to the infamous stinging tree that grows in the region. Recently, our life skills facilitator Kain Anderson had the privilege of delivering the Connecting the Dots workshop to a group of 13 participants from APM Gympie, guiding them through their personal journey of empowerment and growth. Our workshops are uniquely designed to help participants become the best versions of themselves, with us walking alongside them every step of the way. Together, we focus on equipping participants with the essential tools needed to boost their resilience, self-confidence, and overall well-being. These newfound strengths not only benefit participants in their personal lives but also support them as they move toward meaningful employment. Key areas of focus include: ·       Cultural Connection ·       Healthy Body & Healthy Mind ·       Self Confidence ·       Challenging Self-Limiting Beliefs ·       Practical Money Matters ·       Becoming Strong & Resilient   We understand that when we uplift and empower our mob, we contribute to building stronger communities. The journey in Gympie was a testament to that belief, and we are incredibly proud to be a part of this transformative process! A big shout-out and heartfelt thanks to Allen Batchelor, Jessica Cochrane - Baker, Heather Bradeley, and Austin Bruton for their invaluable contributions in making this workshop a success. Together, we create lasting change!

  World Homeless Day 2024 | On World Homeless Day, we take the opportunity to shed light on a crisis that disproportionately affects First Nations peoples. While over 122,000 Australians are experiencing homelessness, the figures for First Nations communities are particularly alarming. Though we make up only 3.3% of the total population, First Nations peoples represent 20% of those experiencing homelessness. For us, homelessness is not just about lacking a roof over our heads—it’s about the layers of systemic barriers that have been built over generations. These include financial instability, mental health challenges, family breakdowns, and, most significantly, intergenerational trauma stemming from colonization, dispossession, and past government policies like the Stolen Generations. Our people continue to bear the brunt of these injustices, which manifest in housing insecurity and other areas of social disadvantage.   At Grassroots Projects, we are not only committed to addressing the immediate needs of our people but also to tackling the root causes of this crisis. Our work is grounded in cultural safety and trauma-informed care, recognizing that healing our communities requires more than just providing housing—it requires addressing the deep wounds left by colonization and ongoing structural inequalities.   On this World Homeless Day, we reaffirm our commitment to breaking the cycle of homelessness in our communities. By addressing the systemic barriers and ensuring culturally safe support, we can create a future where every First Nations person has a place to call home. Together, we can build stronger communities rooted in respect, dignity, and connection to land and culture.   #WorldHomelessDay #FirstNationsHousing #CulturallySafeCare #HousingForAll #CommunityStrength #EndingHomelessness #TraumaInformedCare #GrassrootsEmpowerment

**World Mental Health Day 2024 | Creating & Monitoring Self-Care Plans with Your Team** This World Mental Health Day, with the theme of Mental Health at Work, is the perfect time to engage your team in sustainable practices that prioritize well-being. One powerful way is by creating and monitoring self-care plans—a proactive tool to help manage stress, prevent burnout, and maintain mental health at work. Here’s how you can facilitate this with your team: Host a Workshop or Meeting on Self-Care Hold a team meeting to introduce self-care plans. Emphasize the importance of mental health at work and how these plans serve as roadmaps to well-being. Identify Key Self-Care Areas Guide your team in identifying key areas to incorporate self-care: -Physical well-being: Exercise, sleep, and healthy eating habits. -Emotional well-being: Managing stress and connecting with loved ones. -Work-life balance: Setting boundaries, taking breaks, and ensuring time off. -Mental health resources: Accessing counselling, EAPs, and mindfulness practices. Create Personalized Self-Care Plans Encourage each team member to develop a personalized self-care plan outlining activities they’ll commit to, to support their mental health, such as: -Setting daily/weekly wellness goals (e.g., mindfulness breaks). -Addressing early signs of stress or burnout. -Making time for hobbies or social activities that rejuvenate. Share and Collaborate While self-care is personal, accountability can help. Ask team members to share parts of their plans and explore ways to support each other, such as: -Team well-being check-ins. -Shared wellness activities like team walks or mindfulness. Monitor and Adjust Self-care plans should be dynamic. Schedule regular check-ins to review progress and adjust based on changes in workload, personal life or stress levels. Celebrate Progress Finally, celebrate your team’s commitment to well-being. Recognize the value of small steps towards self-care, whether it’s taking breaks, setting boundaries, or maintaining work-life balance. Implementing self-care benefits both employees and employers. It boosts focus, productivity, reduces absenteeism, and fosters a positive work culture. When employees take care of themselves, they are better equipped to handle challenges and contribute meaningfully. Let’s make World Mental Health Day a stepping stone toward creating lasting, healthy work environments! #WorldMentalHealthDay #MentalHealthAtWork #WorkplaceWellness #TeamWellbeing #MentalHealthMatters

  Today, on the International Day of Non-Violence, we celebrate the profound strength of peace, empathy, and understanding in driving real social change. Non-violence, also known as non-violent resistance, rejects the use of physical force to achieve political or social objectives. As Professor Gene Sharp highlighted, non-violent action is a powerful tool for those who refuse passivity and submission, allowing people to engage in struggles for change without resorting to violence. Non-violence isn't about avoiding conflict—it’s about finding impactful ways to address and resolve it. From protest and persuasion, such as marches and vigils, to non-cooperation, and even non-violent intervention, this approach has been adopted by movements worldwide to achieve justice and equality. Mahatma Gandhi believed that non-violence is the greatest force available to humanity—more powerful than any weapon. Together, let’s continue building institutions and communities that support that noble vision. Let’s create spaces where conflicts are resolved with dialogue and empathy, and where every individual feels safe, respected, and valued. #InternationalDayOfNonViolence #PeacefulChange #GandhiLegacy #NonViolentResistance #SocialJustice #CommunityEmpowerment

Grassroots Projects would like to acknowledge and pay our deepest respects to the Kalkadoon people of the Mt Isa region, where we recently had the privilege of delivering another Connecting the Dots workshop for @BUSY At Work. This unique region, nestled within the breathtaking ochre-red Selwyn Ranges and along the banks of the Leichhardt River, is not only rich in history but also, fun fact, the home to the world’s third-largest rodeo, making our time there all the more memorable.   What truly stood out in this workshop was the profound connections that developed among the participants. It was incredible to witness the relationships grow stronger as the workshop progressed. As people came together, supporting and uplifting one another, the bonds became so deep that by the end, no one wanted to leave. This sense of unity was a powerful reminder of how transformative shared growth can be when rooted in a supportive and connected environment.   Our Connecting the Dots workshops focus on empowering participants through: Cultural Connection Healthy Body & Healthy Mind Self Confidence Challenging Self-Limiting Beliefs Practical Money Matters Becoming Strong Resilience   These themes reflect our commitment to holistic, culturally grounded empowerment. We know that building a strong mob is the foundation for building a strong community, and the transformations we witnessed reaffirm this belief time and time again. Thanks BUSY At Work for allowing us to walk the journey with your participants. Special thanks to Diane Mumme, Cassie Kirk, BUSY At Work, The BUSY Group, CoAct, and Amber Pratten.   Thanks also to our incredible Kain Anderson and Cassandra Brownsdon for always shining their light.

23 years ago, Cathy Freeman ran not just for herself, but for all of us. Her gold medal victory at the Sydney 2000 Olympics remains one of the most iconic moments in Australian history—a powerful symbol of the strength and resilience of First Nations people proudly displayed on the global stage.   At Grassroots Projects, we reflect on Cathy’s extraordinary legacy, knowing that her courage continues to inspire us to break down barriers, uplift our communities, and strive for greatness in everything we do. When Cathy carried both the Aboriginal and Australian flags after her victory, it was far more than a celebration of sport—it was a profound statement of unity, pride, and the strength for her heritage.   Her victory serves as a reminder of the strength in our stories and the limitless potential within our people.   #CathyFreeman #FirstNationsPride #GrassrootsProjects #Unity #Resilience #Inspiration Cathy Freeman celebrating after winning gold in the women’s 400m final at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Image by Nick Wilson/Getty Images.