Nambucca Valley Phoenix acknowledges that it is situated on Aboriginal Land and pays respect to the Bawrruung community of the Gumbaynggirr nation and their Elders both past, present and emerging.

OUR HISTORY

Nambucca Valley Phoenix (Phoenix) started in the 1980’s, as the local Nambucca District Branch of the charity Challenge Foundation. The branch was formed by parents from the community to meet the needs of several local families who had adult children living with an intellectual disability.

It commenced running a day program for people living with disability, and at the time, it was the only local disability service in the Nambucca Valley. In 1986, it established the first business in the Nambucca Shire that supported employment for people living with disability.

The organisation received strong support from within the local community. The purchase of the organisation’s location, “The Bank” at 88 High Street, Bowraville, was funded through donations and fundraising activities undertaken by local parents and the community and subsequent properties were acquired with support of bequests and fundraising.

In 1992, the Challenge Foundation closed the Nambucca District Branch and sought to sell off the assets. In response to this, the community established the Nambucca Valley Supported Employment Foundation to fight the sale of the assets and continue the services. The foundation attracted Commonwealth Government funding which was for a time auspiced through the Nambucca Valley District Nursing Foundation.

In 1995, a new corporate entity was formed to operate, Nambucca Valley Phoenix and the organisation was formally incorporated as an Australian Public Company Limited by Guarantee (ACN: 071 426 278).

As a disability employment service, principal activities carried on by the enterprise were: supported employment programs; training and education; social support and domestic assistance; drop in assistance; domestic violence referral program for Aboriginal programs; arts and craft programs.

It also included a café specialising in catering, work crew for garden maintenance, confidential document shredding and Specialist Treasures Shop.

For well over three decades, Nambucca Valley Phoenix has operated with strong support and engagement from clients and their families, community, council and government agencies.

In 2020, a renewed Board of Nambucca Valley Phoenix continued operations in the Bank, Yurts and Depot.

Despite challenges faced with Covid-19, Fires and floods. Phoenix continues to rise from the ashes and keep supporting its community.

Major improvements have been done in the main building and yurts, inlcuding the acquisition of new equipment. Phoenix now has a fully equipped ceramics studio and digital space, new roofs and a heritage building which has been beauitfully conserved.

It has also expanded to provide youth programs including an After school hours program and school Holiday program. It also offers all abilities art courses and hosts exhibitions from local artists and community groups.

The cafe keeps selling delicious healthy food, offer the best service and the best coffee in town.

Who we are

Nambucca Valley Phoenix is based in the historic town of Bowraville in the Nambucca Shire on the Mid North Coast of NSW on the lands of the Gumbaynggirr people.

Nambucca Valley Phoenix is a company registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC) and is a Public Benevolent Institution (PBI).

Nambucca Valley Phoenix currently has 48 members who consist of local community people including: board members, supporters, potters, parents of clients with disability, and former board members.

Importantly, Nambucca Valley Phoenix is a grass roots development built from the needs and passion of local families across the region and the broader community championing the need for a facility for inclusive employment over a number of decades. It is this community solidarity that is the foundation of Nambucca Valley Phoenix.

Our values

What we feel is most important

  • Grass roots, community driven.

  • Safe, welcoming for all.

  • Inspiring and passionate.

  • Respectful and transparent.

  • Team work and partnerships.

  • Actioning ventures and utilising talent.

  • Connection and a sense of belonging.

Our Sponsors