Wildflower Gardens for Good (Wildflower) are the successful recipients of an Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO) grant. The Leading Community Demonstration Site (LCDS) funding lasts from 2024–2027.
Wildflower is an Aboriginal-owned and managed social enterprise focused on cultural placemaking and landscaping maintenance services. They provide land care services that embed Aboriginal land management principles and culture.
Their initiative, Dyiramill Guguburra (Wiradjuri language for “Charming Kookaburra”), will provide gardening and land care support in Sydney. It will also improve social connections between young people and older members of the Aboriginal community.
Dyiramill Guguburra will support Aboriginal tenants to develop a sense of connection, empower them to maintain their property and connect them to culture and community.
At today’s announcement in Redfern, AHO Chief Executive Famey Williams said, “The AHO’s LCDS program supports Aboriginal organisations to lead innovative projects that demonstrate the effectiveness of co-designing with community and culture at the centre. The program enables culturally appropriate program design which traverses socioeconomic barriers, supporting our strategy in partnering with Aboriginal organisations to identify and develop effective support services.”
“While a safe and affordable house provides a strong foundation for people to thrive, offering opportunities like LCDS that deliver social and wellbeing benefits, and employment opportunities for Aboriginal people, results in further positive outcomes for community.”
Director of Wildflower Roman Deguchi said, “Being awarded the LCDS grant is a great opportunity to bring people together, provide new opportunities for Mob and ensure community housing tenants are supported.”
Director of Wildflower Matthew Coe said, “With this collaborative opportunity we can now implement a community-centred support system that will improve the wellbeing of residents and foster stronger connection to culture and community.”
As part of the project, Wildflower aims to provide culturally safe and long-term employment opportunities to members of the Aboriginal community.
The Leading Community Demonstration Site (LCDS) project delivers a new service model for Aboriginal families who need support with housing needs, whilst also addressing other needs identified by the community.
LCDS project funding is $550,000 over three years. The evaluation panel assessed competitive expressions of interest from across NSW and thanks all Aboriginal organisations who applied.
Over 2024 – 2027, the project will provide regular cultural land care services and social connection support based on peoples' needs. It's designed to nurture community solidarity and connection. Dyiramill Guguburra will implement an inclusive support system for older community members while creating a knowledge exchange between young people while this work takes place, a key cultural value among Aboriginal communities.
Wildflower will showcase the value of embedding this innovative intergenerational support system, showing the importance of holding strong linkages to culture and community in addressing social, economic and cultural needs.
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