The Coronavirus pandemic has briefly pushed pause on our busy cities. Will things go back to the way they were before COVID-19? Not necessarily and maybe they shouldn’t. This might be the opportunity to step back and re-imagine.
Read more: Re-imagining the future: the to-do list for Woden for 2040 (Part1)
Just like many businesses, Canberra’s beloved Handmade Market had to pivot their business in a breathtakingly short period of time when Covid-19 restrictions came into effect.
The Not-For-Profit (NFP) sector in Australia is diverse, extensive and services many different needs in our community.
Microcredit or microfinancing is not new. Even before the days of Mohammad Yunus and the Grameen Bank of Bangladesh, which drew the world’s attention by providing funds with no security to the mainly poor women in regional areas, microfinancing was supporting many struggling individuals and businesses around the world.
ArtSound FM, Canberra’s arts and music community radio station, will hold its annual fundraiser from May 29 to June 14.
It’s not only our normal routines of working, study, shopping or recreation that has changed with the Coronavirus pandemic, it’s also changed how we use our spaces.
Read more: Reimagining the work environment - out with the old and in with the somewhere inbetween
Managing a not-for-profit (or for purpose) entity is not what it used to be. The level of competition has increased 10-fold and the amount of money available for supporting your activities has decreased by an even bigger number.
Tom Adam from Canberra Martial Arts is the new President of the Phillip Business Community, taking over from long-time member Robert Issell.
Read more: Moving Forward a New President for Phillip Business Community
October is Mental Health Month which aims to raise awareness around mental health and wellbeing. It is also an opportunity to thank those who play an important role in supporting those with mental illness, like our social workers.
Research shows that more than 80,000 children annually experience the trauma and stress of having a parent in the Australian justice system. Of these children, it is estimated that 70% go on to become juvenile offenders, and more than 85% of those who do will also become adult offenders.
Read more: Creating the community to support Aboriginal children
Around Australian more than 60,000 children miss school often, or for longer periods, due to serious illness or injury. This obviously impacts on their education, but social isolation and disconnection from friends and peers causes even greater problems. This number has increased exponentially during 2020 because of medical vulnerability related to the current pandemic.
Being part of a community is not just about feeling at home it’s about feeling like you are part of the big picture. Community is often thought of as the relationship you have with your neighbours and saying hello to people in the street, but it’s also about supporting those in need, specific interests and activities, and a way of bringing people together to support a cause they believe in. Woden has community at its heart.
Robert Issell from Xcllusive Business Sales had been in Canberra for 8 years and had a client base right across Canberra, but knew very few in his own local business neighbourhood.
“There was no medium to meet; I would walk down the street passed strangers, not knowing anyone,” says Robert.