SEPTEMBER 2023

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

In the lead-up to the Referendum, we've been co-hosting many information events, working with incredible people. At the forums, we have felt a real sense of unity between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Australians, as there was at the recent walks across the nation. Standing strong together with thousands of YES supporters gave us a taste of what a better future could feel like with unity, love and respect. This is a nation-changing opportunity, let’s seize this moment on 14 October. #Yes23

We remain deeply focused on the growing issue of rheumatic heart disease in First Nations communities, which an Indigenous Voice could help progress. We recently co-hosted the Australian RHD Congress with Heart Foundation and Telethon Kids sharing the Deadly Heart Trek insights, in preparation for the World RHD Congress in November in Abu Dhabi. We also co-hosted an event at Parliament House to highlight some of the effective initatives in place. More work is needed!

This quarter, it was an honour to celebrate the extraordinary Professor Larissa Behrendt AO, lawyer, filmmaker and more at the annual Sydney Women's Fund Saluting Sydney Women event. There is much to learn from Larissa's life's work and her mantra 'use privilege to help others'.

We're thrilled that the Canberra Foundations Collaborative has granted almost $2.8 million to 128 local projects since 2022 supporting disability, mental health/wellbeing, and healthcare. Additionally, informative seminars have been offered to the community, see below for the recent one on Marketing. Also in the ACT, we funded a Literacy Report, revealing that change is needed as a significant number of students are struggling to meet literacy benchmarks.

Congratulations to our long-term partners Homes for Homes and Project Independence, for their growth and achievements - we take a look at their recent accolades and expansions.

And learn more about Mike Hill, from impact film production company Moonshine Agency. We've loved working with Mike for over a decade, and share a passion for ending rheumatic heart disease in First Nations communities.

Enjoy the read and best wishes from our teams in Canberra and Sydney,

Snow Foundation team members Sally Grimsley-Ballard, Alex Lagelee Kean, Georgina Byron and Carolyn Ludovici with families at the Yes23 walks in Sydney and Canberra 

CONSTITUTIONAL RECOGNITION #YES23

Soon we'll be asked to vote on the future of our nation. Some facts for consideration:

• The Voice originated from Indigenous people - it was their idea, following an extensive grassroots consultation process with 1000+ Indigenous people that ended with the Uluru Statement
• The vast majority (80%) of Indigenous people support the Voice
• The Voice will give Indigenous people a say on matters that affect them
• It will provide better decisions, better outcomes and government funding will be more effective with greater transparency.

Our recent work:

• We joined the Canberra Airport Group to announce the provision of office space to coordinate 1000+ Canberra-based volunteers working on the Yes23 campaign (pictured above)
• Educational forums at The Hub Sydney, Garvan Institute and Surf Club

Georgina Byron, Philippa McDermott, the Hon. Margaret Beazley, Jodie Harrison MP, Professor Larissa Behrendt, Loredana Fyffe

SYDNEY WOMEN'S FUND - SALUTING SYDNEY WOMEN

Every year, Sydney Women’s Fund celebrates an eminent trailblazing woman - this year, Professor Larissa Behrendt AO was spotlighted at the annual Saluting Sydney Women event.

Larissa is an accomplished Eualayai/Gamillaroi woman, currently serving as the Laureate Fellow at the Jumbunna Institute, UTS Sydney. An award-winning filmmaker and author, remarkable academic and lawyer, and a fierce activist across Indigenous rights, the arts and culture in Australia. Larissa is a powerful change-maker earning her multiple prestigious honours, including the Order of Australia and the Human Rights Medal.

“I really love the work of the Sydney Women's Fund, because you can do things that can feel quite small, but they can be transformative. And we all have the ability to do that.” – Professor Larissa Behrendt AO.

Panellists: Dr Rob Justo, Kara Rudken, Taribelang Bunda and Wiradjuri woman - son with RHD and Kenya McAdam, Jaru and Kira woman - living with RHD, Vicki Wade, Deadly Heart Trek board member.

 RHEUMATIC HEART DISEASE EVENT PARLIAMENT HOUSE

On 9 August we co-hosted a breakfast event with Senator Malarndirri McCarthy at Parliament House, along with members from remote communities, Aboriginal leaders, and other #endRHD advocates to discuss the stark reality of First Nations people living with rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and opportunities to improve this.

We invited and brought four community experts from remote communities to Canberra, so their lived experience stories and their voices could be heard by politicians and other key decision-makers. We thank Alec Doomadgee, Greg McAdam, Kara Rudken and Kenya McAdam for sharing their personal insights on the growing toll of this disease on families and communities.

We also heard about research, community-led initiatives to #endRHD such as the Deadly Heart Trek,  Orange Sky Australia, Champions4Change and improvements in diagnosis and treatment.

Mike Hill (R) with Liddywoo, who became friends whilst filming Take Heart. Liddywoo passed away from rheumatic heart disease aged 21. This image is shared with the permission and blessing of his family.

MEET OUR PARTNERS: Q&A

Meet Mike Hill from Moonshine Agency, an individual whose profound passion for film and advocacy has left an indelible mark on the world of impact filmmaking. 

To him, the zenith of filmmaking is witnessing a film stir emotions and spur positive change. Mike got to experience that positive change, through the 'Take Heart' documentaries, delving deep into the realities of rheumatic heart disease in First Nations communities.

STAY CONNECTED

Contact Us for any enquiries