Transformative Projects and Activities
Explore how our initiatives bridge gaps and drive sustainable development in remote and regional Indigenous communities. Our hands-on projects provide practical training and support, fostering growth and self-sufficiency for a brighter future. Donations of goods are gratefully appreciated by the communities. By supporting Dr Steve Burroughs Foundation, you are supporting your community and helping to build a brighter future for all.
Portable Aboriginal Communication (PACE) Project
We are thrilled to announce the delivery of our first PACE unit to the Lightning Ridge Local Aboriginal Land Council, a significant milestone made possible through the unwavering support of our sponsors and donors. This unit provides essential internet services and computers to the local Aboriginal community, fostering digital inclusion and bridging the digital divide. The satellite internet connection allows speeds similar to those in urban environments, enabling the Lightning Ridge Aboriginal community to keep pace with the latest technology. Several more communities have asked for a PACE unit. Looking ahead, we have five Indigenous communities eagerly anticipating a PACE unit. Our vision for the future is to revolutionise the PACE unit, making it even more sustainable and efficient.
Access…. Reliability…. Speed
PACE Project development
Original concept drawing
Donated site shed to be refurbished.
Workstation completed.
Computers and chairs in place.
Building the steps
Dr Steve and Pace Unit on site at Lightning Ridge.
Support Re-imagined PACE II
Floor Plan
PACE II Carport Solar Array
Front View PACE II
The new PACE II design will include a separate 3-D Printer Room and Interactive Room.
The main area will house 9 computer stations with internet access
Front View PACE II
PACE II Carport Solar Array
Front View PACE II
There are many ways to get involved with Dr Steve Burroughs Foundation. Donate funds, equipment or your time. We'd love to have you on board!
PACE II Carport Solar Array
PACE II Carport Solar Array
PACE II Carport Solar Array
From providing education to supporting health care initiatives, Dr Steve Burroughs Foundation offers a range of programs to support communities in need via the PACE II project
Solar Array top of Carport
PACE II - Carport Solar- Battery
PACE II Carport Solar Array
Your contribution can make a big difference in the lives of those we serve. Donate today to help support our mission of empowering communities with digital Technology.
Battery Storage - EV Charging
PACE II - Carport Solar- Battery
PACE II - Carport Solar- Battery
Dr Steve Burroughs Foundation has made a difference in the community of Lightning Ridge with PACE. We are committed to creating change in closing the gap #17 with Digital Inclusion for Remote and Regional Communities
PACE II - Carport Solar- Battery
PACE II - Carport Solar- Battery
PACE II - Carport Solar- Battery
Have a question or want to get in touch? We'd love to hear from you. Contact us today and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Your support and contributions will enable us to develop PACE II.
PRINT - Promoting Resourceful Indigenous New Technology
Technological advancement has transformed how people engage with the world, and 3D printing is a frontier technology that holds promise for transforming remote and regional Aboriginal communities. Through the integration of 3D printing technology, these communities have the opportunity to engage with new forms of innovation, enhance digital inclusion, and develop culturally significant products that can be commercialized. The idea is simple but powerful: by setting up 3-D printers in community spaces, local artisans can transform their designs into physical products – from beautiful earrings, vases, and bowls to practical items like cemetery nameplates and memorial flowers. These items not only serve the community’s needs but also help develop micro-enterprises, offering a new source of income and creative expression.
Lightning Ridge Local Aboriginal Land Council Community Centre
The new Lightning Ridge Local Aboriginal Land Council, designed by SQC Architecture in collaboration with Dr. Steve, will serve as a vital hub for the local Aboriginal community. This multifaceted facility is set to enrich community life through a range of services and activities. It will feature a restaurant offering local cuisine, a gallery showcasing Aboriginal art and culture, and versatile spaces for cultural events and community gatherings. Designed to foster cultural pride and community engagement, the building will be an inviting space for locals to celebrate their heritage, host events, and strengthen social connections.
Barcaldine Spirit Place
Dr. Steve, in collaboration with SQC Architecture and with the support of local Aboriginal people, is designing a unique meeting place for the Central West Aboriginal Corporation in Barcaldine, Qld. This cultural hub will provide a space for community members to gather, share stories, and pass on knowledge about native plants and animals. The project emphasizes local involvement, with on-site cabins constructed in partnership with the community and a mother earth building designed to enrich the cultural experience. An amphitheatre will also be featured, enticing tourists to visit the site for a spiritual and immersive cultural experience.
Garden Maintenance Program
The Dr Steve Burroughs Foundation launched the Garden Maintenance Program in 2018 in partnership with Briggs & Stratton. Through this program, the range of garden equipment supplied includes ride-on mowers, hand mowers, chainsaws, whipper snippers, blowers, log splitters and generators. As well as the equipment, the program offers training in the use and maintenance of small machinery and employment opportunities for participants, fostering local workforce development. A generator is being used to run local camps and a water pump is used for showers. A mower, blower, whipper snipper, and chainsaw resulted in improved community gardens, including around homes and the local school. A ride-on mower goes a long way to taming the tough grasses of Australia. Community elders benefit by the provision of essential services like grass mowing, firewood collection, gutter cleaning, and other forms of garden maintenance. To date, 16 communities have engaged with the program, each at various stages of implementation.
Sewing Circle Expansion in Barcaldine
The Barcaldine community has an active sewing circle. To help expand their ability to do larger projects, the Foundation supplied two commercial sewing machines as well as other items. The machines were assembled by one very clever local Indigenous man. The ladies in the circle created a rainbow serpent for the Foundation to use during a fundraising event. The serpent is fantastic and now appears as part of our image.
Carpet Goes Walk About in Yakanarra
The installation of carpet tiles provides many health and well-being benefits to the community. These include reduced noise, better acoustics, a more peaceful environment and reduced risk of slips and falls to name a few.
Carpet tiles were generously donated by Ontera-Milliken for installation at various locations in Halls Creek and the surrounding area. Local community members were trained in how to lay the tiles. This expanded their skills and also provided them with a future business opportunity to lay the excess carpet tiles within the community.
Ontera-Milliken donated and installed some of their new Indigenous-designed carpet tile range in the remote Yakanarra community school. The local community and the school were very appreciative and happy with the results. Watch the “Thank You” video they sent (attached above) to express this, as they “rarely see such dedication and kindness from the outside world toward bettering our school and its facilities.”
Yellow Bags
The Dr Steve Burroughs Foundation attends different locations during NAIDOC and Christmas Week to hand out essential items to assist people experiencing poverty. We seek your support to assist in the donation of personal care items. Donations of simple items such as hand and bath towels, soap, razors, tissues, and eye wash are requested. They will be distributed to Indigenous community members during the event in donated yellow bags. These bags are well-recognised in communities.
“People can either donate new items or fund the purchase of items to assist this important program. This is a simple and inexpensive way to lend a hand to our Indigenous communities.” Donate online now or call Dr Steve Burroughs Foundation to arrange the drop-off of your donations.
LEGO Fun
In the wake of flooding and other natural disasters, Dr Steve Burroughs Foundation has provided support to a few remote communities with after-school projects. The activities entertain and help lift the spirits of children who have been confined to their community. The distribution of Lego brick sets in the Walgett and Lightning Ridge communities of New South Wales has brightened the lives of those children involved.
Beanie Knitting for Kids in Halls Creek
Canberra local and interstate knitters have been busy making beanies and scarves for charities. They have kindly supported the DSB Foundation by donating some of their beanies for distribution to our remote indigenous communities. Their kind gift has been greatly appreciated by the communities and helped keep the locals warm during the winter. Our thanks go out to all those who knitted beanies and generously donated them. The continued support of knitters is always welcome.
Bikes for Kids
The Dr Steve Burroughs Foundation in partnership with the Bike Man Kerry donated bikes to the Lightning Ridge Local Aboriginal Land Council. In consultation with the CEO Petrina Brown and Board Chair Allan Cobb, a special training session was held for children in maintaining and riding a bike, including following road safety rules. The training course was successfully completed by 20 children who each obtained a new helmet, water bottle, and repair kit. The most exciting thing was that each child was given a bike to take home after the training. There were 20 very happy children in Lightning Ridge that day.
Help Our Cause
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and improve conditions. You can make a difference.