our programs
grass roots programs
Mary MacKillop Today Highways and Byways supports people and communities experiencing disadvantage and inequality across Australia. We do this through our annual small grants and longer-term programs.
Our programs are developed to strengthen community relationships and networks, develop local leadership, and empower people to meet the challenges confronting them.
LONGER-TERM PROGRAMS
Our first longer-term program, “Seeds of Connection” was launched in Roma, South Central Queensland in March 2020.
Led by local Mithika woman Megan Brown, Seeds of Connection provides a range of cultural immersion and well-being initiatives that address the lack of connection and disadvantage experienced by Indigenous and isolated people in this part of Queensland.
In March 2021, we launched our second partnership program in northeastern Tasmania.
“Restoring Nature and Communities” is our partnership with Northeast Bioregional Network, who have a long history of successful eco-restoration projects in this region. This is a program of ecological restoration and best practice land management in the Break O’Day municipality. Todd Dudley, President of Northeast Bioregional Network is managing and training four local community members who have been long-term unemployed.
In January 2023, we consolidated and grew our connection with Free2b Girls, an earlier small grant recipient, by making them our third project partner, with a specific focus on the “Free2B Time” program.
Free2B Time provides supportive environments and facilitates local relationships that can nurture new experiences for teen girls living in geographically and socially isolated areas.
Free2b Girls has become the go-to for supporting young women in the northeastern region of Tasmania, and we are eager to help them become a locally supported and sustainable organisation for many years to come.
Seeds of Connection Roma, Queensland - Care Packs During Covid 19
The care packages (pictured) contained some groceries and essentials as well as some treats for those self-isolating. “We wanted to shop local and support businesses who started to struggles as soon as the restrictions came in.” said Megan. The packages also contained a ten dollar gift voucher from a local take away café, local hand-made soaps, and a Crossword book amongst other items.
Seeds of Connection Roma, Queensland - Indigenous Community
Working with the Indigenous Community to address areas of local concern. In 2020 Megan Brown established an Indigenous Women’s Group – Women’s Wellness Sessions. The group meet regularly for social support and connection through a program of activities . See https://www.facebook.com/seedsofconnectionroma
The group will come together again in 2021.
Restoring Nature and Communities, North East Tasmania
This 20 week program began in March 2021. Four local community members make up a team who are undertaking weeding, removal of invasive species and planting of indigenous species in a number of locations in the north east of Tasmania.
Community Support During Covid 19
Megan Brown has been offering activities in health & well-being online – these sessions are free through Seeds of Connection to any community members. There is a weekly Online Zoom Yoga and Meditation class. Virtual Cuppas ran earlier in 2020 for anyone wanting some social connection during the time of lock-down.
For more information or to join in contact Megan Brown at chandrawellbeing@gmail.com
Well Being Workshops in Injune, Mitchell, Wallumbilla and Surat in 2021
In 2020 Seeds of Connection was successful in receiving an Australia Post Community Grant to run workshops in the four towns above. The workshops will focus on mental and emotional well-being and community resilience.