Main aim of the charity

Seed is Australia’s first Indigenous youth climate network. We are building a movement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people for climate justice with the Australian Youth Climate Coalition. Our vision is for a just and sustainable future with strong cultures and communities, powered by renewable energy. Climate change is one of the greatest threats facing humanity, but we also know it is an opportunity to create a more just and sustainable world.

How the employee got involved and why

I saw the devastation the bush fires caused down south. The media and large charity organisations were reaching out for funds but we could see on social media not everyone was receiving supplies. We didn't have much but I knew we could make a difference in at one small community. What a blessing to be connected with Warren and the community in Wallaga Lakes. They were one of many indigenous communities that had been left out.

What work does the employee do for charity?

Early this year Iput out a post on her Facebook page asking “We are going down the South Coast - Who needs supplies?”. A gentleman name Warren from Wallaga Lakes Indigenous Community messaged me back and asked whether I could visit his community, as they were not receiving any supplies. On Friday, 10 January my husband ( Ben Tokahere) and I, with the help of family and friends loaded 4.5 tonne truck and a transit van full of donated goods, collected and donated by Sydney Gateway employees and her community. We travelled to Wallaga Lakes, which is approximately 5 hours drive south of Sydney to deliver the donated goods to the Wallaga Lakes Indigenous Community, who are part of the Yuin nation. “We arrived at 9 pm due to technical difficulties along the way. Off loaded everything with the help of the locals and then were invited to spend the night at one of the elders home - thank goodness our plan was to sleep in the truck!,” Mei said. Then on Sunday, Warren took us around to see the affected bushfire areas. “It was so surreal to witness the devastation. We went back up to the mission and cooked up a barbecue for everyone. We sat and talked all afternoon exchanging songs and stories before we packed up and headed home. If you ever get the chance visit Wallaga Lakes please do it. organised a The most beautiful people and picturesque town. Along with the donations, my husband and I through our local gym organised a fundraiser featuring raffles and an auction for a signed NRL jersey, raising more than $4,500 You can view a video of Mei’s journey to Wallaga Lakes Indigenous Community here: https://youtu.be/5pmJKERWPgY