Breaking down diversity walls
Description
The opportunity to experience the outdoors, connect with nature, and embrace the senses, is something that is not always front of mind for marginalized or vulnerable members of our community. At Each Wild, we have connected with stakeholder services to overcome the challenges of culture, disability, diversity and negative societal assumptions that limit opportunities to experience life differently, to deliver programs with purpose and impact. We have an abundant opportunity throughout Victoria to go underground, over a cliff, down a river or over a mountain, and we aim to guide the many that partner with us on this journey.
Session Outline
We will share how we have been able to connect with the many partners that have enabled us to bring our programs to reality, a real co-design effort in many ways. We will share some of the real-world experiences that we know will inspire you and the work that you undertake.
Through these stories we will bring to life the positive impact that has been made, in some cases life changing for individuals. Our focus on supporting CALD and First Nation communities as a valued part of our work has been a reciprocal and a rewarding process, allowing a deep trust to be made in a short amount of time.
We will share some of these stories, the evaluation data that we have received, and what is next in our plans to enhance sustainability for us to continue this important and valuable work.
MurryAnn (Annie) Reeves & Shannon Grass
she/her | he/him
Eastern Access Community Health (EACH)
MurryAnn (Annie) Reeves
Murryann (Annie) Reeves: Head of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander First Nations Capability and Engagement Manager.
Annie is a proud Yuggera women from Queensland. Annie is a highly respected person in her community, working tirelessly through her lifetime to achieve positive outcomes and facilitate change to improve the quality of life of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Annie knows that to facilitate change she needs to work with community and listen to her Elders. She is admired for her strength and adaptability. Annie has a positive energy and ability to produce change, often listening and being the voice of our most vulnerable.
“Murryann is respected and well known in community. Over the years she has developed knowledge and understanding of diverse cultural dynamics of families and communities and is trusted in community to walk with our people through their journey of change” – Aunty Daphne.
Shannon Grass
Shannon Grass has been an Each Wild team member for approx. 13 years, with 2 of these years departing Wild to work in a similar field on the south coast of NSW. Shannon is a passionate and optimistic member of the team that has stepped in and led the Wild team in Matt’s absence for the 14-month duration.