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News ChangeFest 2019 ChangeFest is a gathering of people, intent on working at the local level for place-based impact. ChangeFest recognises First Nations first within strong diverse and sustainable communities, and this year was hosted by the Elders from Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation in Mount Druitt NSW, with special guest Elders from the Northern Territory, where the next ChangeFest will be held. The resounding message was that “Change happens at the speed of trust” – it depends on building genuine relationships, devolving power, and listening to communities. We listened and participated in thought-provoking discussions about systems change, what is getting in…

In August 2019 the VFFF Grants Committee approved an application from the North West Film Festival in Inverell NSW. The festival provides a unique opportunity for young people from the New England North West region of NSW who are interested in creative screen media to showcase and celebrate their work. While their region battles unprecedented drought and fires, the Festival provides an outlet that gives young people a voice, and an event in which they are able to raise awareness of the critical issues that are important to them.

On 10 and 11 September, more than 100 school leaders from across NSW came together for the 3rd Fair Education NSW Conference. Generously hosted by PwC at Barangaroo, representatives of the 23 Fair Ed projects shared their challenges, learnings and future plans. This Conference was also a chance to celebrate the achievements of the first cohort of schools who are about to conclude their formal three year participation in Fair Ed…

There are many young Aussies who go to school each day without any lunch. And without food, concentration and learning is compromised, which often means these kids fall further behind their peers. Eat Up runs sandwich making sessions at corporate offices, then loads up their van and delivers them to schools to provide to kids who don’t have lunch from home…

A big congratulations to the Regional Innovators Network (RIN) for their Good Design Award for Social Impact. This social design support model from Growing Lachlan, CAPP Dubbo and TACSI. The awards are well-known around the world. They have given their tick of approval for architecture, product design and graphic design for decades, but the Social Impact category is relatively new…