Grooming the Grass Outback
When the Foundation received a request for garden equipment in the Outback, Dr Burroughs searched for a donor. Fortunately, Dr Steve found Briggs & Stratton. They not only generously supplied the equipment, but they also delivered it as well. Dean Harriott, Managing Director, Australasia and South East Asia of Briggs & Stratton, joined Dr Steve in the distribution of the equipment from Broom, Western Australia. The range of garden equipment included an industrial ride-on mower, hand mowers, generators, chain saws, whipper snippers, blowers, and water pumps. It was distributed to select communities in Western Australia. The equipment provides a positive contribution to improve the well-being and health of the communities involved.
Distribution of equipment
An industrial ride-on mower, donated to the Ngalinkadji Community in the Fitzroy Crossing Valley region, will go a long way to taming the grasses. Training provided knowledge in the use and maintenance of the equipment. A local training company provided this training. This training develops skills within the community. It also ensures the correct and continued use of the mower.
Yura Yungi Medical Services, Social and Emotional Well Being Unit, was given a generator. It is used to run local camps and a water pump for showers. A mower, blower, whipper snipper and chain saw were donated for use in the maintenance of the town yard.
A push mower and whipper snipper was donated to the Nirrumbuk Environmental Health Service based in the Kimberly. This helped to develop the community gardens around homes and the local school.
Benefits
Training locals not only expands their skills but also provides them with the opportunity to further develop themselves and the community. This project exemplifies how the foundation fosters sustainable development and the advancement of Australia’s first people.
Dr Steve Burroughs believes it is people that make a difference to our fellow human beings. We cannot change things overnight but maybe our efforts will empower someone to feel better about themselves and possibly develop future opportunities to do something different with their lives.
Dr Steve Burroughs is passionate about supporting remote indigenous Australians and does so without any assistance from the Government. He set up the foundation to help bring about positive change. Donations of time, materials or money are gratefully accepted and put to good use.
