For Indigenous Communities

Long-term Support to Grow Strong, Self-determined Communities

Join the 100+ Indigenous Communities around Australia we’ve supported to build economic opportunities.

Turn Your Community’s Ideas into Action

Looking to create jobs, grow local businesses, or build economic opportunity in your community?

We’ll work alongside you to strengthen leadership, planning, and decision-making – so your community can shape its own future.

With Many Rivers, you’re not doing it alone. You’ll have a dedicated Economic Development Coach working with you over the long term.

Is This Right for Your Community?

We work with Indigenous community organisations that have an elected board and are focused on creating economic opportunities for their Community – on their land, sea or other assets.

If that sounds like your community, we can help.

How We Can Help

Wherever your community is starting from, we’ll work alongside you to build strong foundations and grow long-term economic opportunity.

We’ll support you to:

Know Your Community

Understand your community’s strengths and opportunities

Set Clear Goals

Identify priorities and set clear economic goals

Plan With Purpose

Build practical, achievable plans

Strengthen Governance

Strengthen governance and decision-making

Grow Community Projects

Develop and grow community-led projects

Create Lasting Outcomes

Create sustainable jobs and economic outcomes

Success Stories

Circular Head Aboriginal Corporation, North West Tasmania

Circular Head Aboriginal Corporation (CHAC) is leading cultural, community, and enterprise development on Tasmania’s north-west coast. With support from Many Rivers, CHAC has strengthened its governance, expanded operations, and launched tarkiner – a unique enterprise producing Bull Kelp–based products that celebrate the strength and creativity of peerapper people.

Umoona Community Council, Coober Pedy, SA

On Antakirinja Matu-Yunkunytjatjara Country, Umoona Community Council is strengthening governance and creating new opportunities for local employment and tourism. Through Many Rivers’ CED Program, the organisation has built strong foundations for economic growth – from managing the BnB Accommodation to launching new cultural enterprises that celebrate community and Country.

Scotdesco Aboriginal Community, Wardu Camp, Bookabie SA

In the remote community of Scotdesco, located in Bookabie, on the Far West Coast of South Australia, a remarkable journey towards cultural revitalisation and economic sustainability began in September 2019. This story explores Scotdesco’s aspirations, the journey they undertook, the support provided by Many Rivers, and the outstanding results they achieved.

What You’ll Get

One-on-one support from a dedicated Economic Development Coach
Long-term partnership (typically around 5 years)
Practical guidance on planning, governance, and economic development
Support to develop businesses, jobs, and community projects
Access to pro-bono legal support

How It Works

1. Get in touch

Tell us about your community and your goals

2. Meet your Economic Development Coach

We’ll connect you with a local Economic Development Coach who understands your region

3. Build your plan

Work together to identify priorities and map out next steps

4. Keep moving forward

We’ll work alongside you over time to support delivery and growth

Why Many Rivers?

We work differently to short-term consultants or programs.

That means you’ll have:

FAQs

What Does It Cost?

Our support is free, funded by philanthropic and government partners.

What Kind of Support Will We Get from an Economic Development Coach?

Your Economic Development Coach will work alongside your board and management to support planning, decision-making, and economic development.

They’ll guide you, share practical advice, and help you work through challenges – but they won’t do the work for you. The goal is to build your Community’s capability to lead and sustain its own development.

How Long Do You Work with Communities?

This is a long-term partnership. We typically work with Communities for around five years, with regular visits and ongoing support in between. We don’t just plan; we stay and implement!

What Kinds of Projects Do You Support?

We support a wide range of Community-led economic activities, including:

Ranger programs and Caring for Country
Agriculture, fisheries, and aquaculture
Tourism and cultural enterprises
Community services and social enterprises
Arts, retail, and local businesses

Do You Provide Funding or Loans?

We don’t typically provide loans through this program.

Your Economic Development Coach can help you explore funding options and identify the best way to access the resources you need.

What Does the Community Need to Commit?

We work in partnership with your board and management.

This means:

Meeting regularly with your Economic Development Coach
Working together on planning and priorities
Taking action to progress your Community’s goals

Ready to get started?

Take the first step towards your community’s future.

Online Resources

Not ready to get started just yet? Explore our resources and take the first step in your own time.

Starting a community project: where to begin

Community

Your Stories

"Having someone to bounce ideas off and gain guidance from has been incredibly valuable. Every idea that I bring to the table is received with curiosity and an approach to try and help me make my dreams a reality. I absolutely LOVE working with Many Rivers."

"The most valuable part of the program has been the ongoing support and mentorship. Having our Business Coach alongside us throughout our journey has made a real difference. She has been incredibly understanding of how quickly our business has grown and how rapidly things can change, always adapting her advice to meet us where we are."

"What I really appreciate is that it’s at my pace. When I need support, I can contact my mentor and he’s always there. We can pick up from where we last left off."

"The most valuable aspect of working with Many Rivers has been the combination of practical business development support and consistent coaching. Having someone to celebrate our wins, help refine our business story and keep us focused on sustainable growth has made a real difference. "

"The business coaching has been the most useful part. It helps me work through things I don’t know and guides me in the right direction. We talk through my ideas regularly, and Leigh helps me brainstorm the best way to approach them."