Sustainable Braidwood website launched
to strengthen community
Sustainable Braidwood, a subcommittee of the Upper Shoalhaven Landcare Council, has just launched a new online hub to celebrate local sustainability efforts and connect those in the region who are interested in making a change.
Supported by the NSW Government’s Bushfire Community Resilience and Recovery Fund, supplied via Queanbeyan Palerang Regional Council, the intention of the project is to facilitate knowledge-sharing to help foster a deeper level of connection, visibility, and intentional action, with the hopes that community support continues to grow and strengthen through both good times, and hard times.
A LOCAL STORIES page profiles volunteer groups, artists, and small businesses working towards a more sustainable future, while the SKILLS LIBRARY allows locals to matchmake their interests and learn or teach new skills, deepening the community resilience that has become a core value of the region.
As a rural town that has experienced environmental crises from drought and bushfire, to floods, Braidwood has a strong culture of community support. The Black Summer bushfires and subsequent pandemic brought locals together in powerful acts of generosity and care, with food, advice, time, and support all shared. Volunteer groups and small businesses have been at the heart of creating ongoing community bonds which alleviate the challenges of isolation, scarcity, and anxiety which come with rural living.
Sustainable Braidwood, a local volunteer group created with the values of community and care, leans into the power of storytelling and workshops to highlight the exceptional sustainability and community efforts at play in Braidwood and surrounds.
“There is so much going on in our community, but we know that people can feel isolated from each other, or are unaware of groups which share their values and aims,” say founding members Elke Kramer and Rose Ricketson.
The two women formed the collective, alongside writer Jessica Friedmann (who now resides in Melbourne but retains strong ties to the community), in order to contribute to the community while juggling motherhood with their roles as arts and media professionals.
“With young kids, we couldn’t always turn up to meetings or make larger commitments, but we could put our skills to use to highlight those who are and have been doing extraordinary work. Braidwood has a long tradition of environmental activism, with ongoing efforts that deserve to be celebrated.”
The newly launched website offers:
- Skills Library: A digital space for knowledge-sharing and support, where residents can offer and receive help, trade expertise, and learn together.
- Community Stories: Celebrating local individuals and groups working toward a more sustainable future and sharing their valuable insights.
- Workshops and Events: A curated calendar of in-person and online community- building activities where people can come together to learn, problem-solve, connect and create.
- Volunteer Opportunities and resources for getting involved.
Why Join the Skills Library? The Skills Library is at the heart of Sustainable Braidwood’s community vision, creating an accessible, practical way to strengthen the ties that have always held Braidwood together.
From fence-mending, gardening and plumbing, to video editing, sewing and yoga, the Skills Library makes it easier to find and give support within our local community, share what we know, and learn what we don’t.
Sustainable Braidwood invites all residents, neighbours, and allies to explore the new site, take part, and contribute to a future built on collaboration, care, and creativity. Website: www.sustainablebraidwood.org