The Restoration Fund (previously Pay The Rent fund) has been developed by members of Balaangala Community Group Inc. in partnership and consultation with First Nations Elders and community members. The Fund is for non-First Nations people who want to act on their concerns and beliefs about living on land they know was stolen from First Nations people.
The Restoration Fund was officially launched on January 26th 2019 by Aunty Flo Watson. The Fund aims to help restore some of the financial and cultural capital that has been taken from First Nations people through the process of colonisation.
One-off or ongoing contributions can be made be emailing ptrbalaangala2019@gmail.com and requesting the bank deposit details.
We acknowledge that all Australians live on Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island land and that land was taken from First Nation peoples without consent, payment or treaty. Making contributions to the Fund acknowledges that non-Indigenous people have benefited and continue to benefit from policies and practices that have been part of the colonisation of this nation, particularly stolen land and wages. We all benefit from the occupation and use of this land. Whether we were born here or arrived here as migrants, we cannot avoid sharing responsibility for the perpetuation of this injustice.
The Fund is a way that non-Indigenous people can contribute directly to First Nation-owned groups, small businesses and organisations. Contributing to this Fund is an act of restorative justice, of recompense, of taking responsibility and acknowledging benefits accrued through occupying stolen land.
Decisions about financial distributions are made by a “decision-making” panel of four First Nations people (who are paid for their deliberation time). A public event is held each year where Panel members announce which group/s will receive money and the amount. The day to day working of the Fund is done by a Working group which is under the umbrella of Balaangala Community Group Inc.
The Fund aims to help build wealth and cultural capital. Therefore, money will be given to groups/small businesses that aim to provide sustainable ongoing projects and activities such as creating employment or cultural programs that have long-term effects.
Fund Update March 2024
The Restoration Fund has now distributed $85,000 directly to First Nations groups and small businesses.
Fund Update November 2022
The first distribution from the Fund was made in 2020. The decision-making panel, Aunty Flo Watson, Dr Jackie Huggins, Maurice Serico and Ross Williams chose four First Nations owned/run groups to share the $10,000 that had accumulated over the first year of contributions (rent payments). The groups were Yerongpan Aboriginal Dancers, Yarrabah Elders, Strong Women Talking and Pamanyungan Elders.
In 2021, $14,000 was distributed between five First Nations groups including Pumicestone Indigenous Education and Employment Council, Yerongpan Aboriginal Dancers, Nyanda Cultural Tours, Native Sweetness Catering and a Yarrabah Language/dictionary Project.
As per our guidelines, two panel members, Dr Huggins and Ross Williams stepped down and their places were taken by Renai Mouton and Stephen Mam.
The restoration fund working group would like to acknowledge Dr Huggins and Uncle Ross for their contributions, ideas and support of the Fund.
Since our first distribution, we have been holding an annual gathering of recipient groups, fund contributors, Balaangala members and other interested people, where the Panel members formally announce which groups they have decided to give money to. This day has become known as Restoration Day and has been held in late February or early March. These gatherings have been joyous occasions where attendees get to hear about the great work that
is being done by community. The contributors love hearing from the groups, knowing that their contributions are making a difference. Recipient groups have expressed their appreciation, not just for the funds, but also that the money is not a grant that has to be acquitted and that they are free to use the money for whatever purpose they decide.
At the 2022 Restoration Day, the panel announced that $16,000 had accumulated in rent payments and they shared the money between Pumicestone Indigenous Education and Employment Council, Paperbark Love, LKG Cleaning Services, Munnimbah-dja art and cultural space and Boorumpah Goupong Men’s group. We encourage you to seek out these groups and micro businesses and support them whenever you can.
We are committed to an ongoing process of learning, evolving and adapting. Whilst initially small, we hope the Fund will grow over time and perhaps encourage others to explore what’s possible within their own communities.
For more information, to provide feedback, enquire about a one-off or ongoing contribution, or you’d like someone to talk to your group, workplace or church about making a contribution, email the Restoration Fund Working Group – ptrbalaangala2019@gmail.com