Australian Business Volunteers (ABV)

In the four years since ABV first recognised how we could play a vital role in building disaster resilience and recovery, we are incredibly proud of how much our Australia programs have grown. Now, we've returned to the communities we previously supported in Victoria, with an expanded range of services and resources. We're here, stronger than ever, for the community. None of this would be possible without the generous contributions of our skilled volunteers, who apply their expertise to help communities navigate complex business challenges after disasters and through economic transitions. A huge thank you to our supportive partners: Arup, Deakin University, and Centre for Humanitarian Leadership. The Resilient Regions program is supported by the Victorian Government.

Meriba-May Igara is the founder of Boss Crew PNG, a business that brings Papua New Guinea’s unique wildlife to life through plush toys. The idea for Boss Crew PNG was sparked by the desire to design a plush toy inspired by the cuscus, an iconic animal of PNG. The aim was to create a product that both locals and tourists could enjoy, cherish, and share. The name "Boss Crew PNG" draws inspiration from the local PNG term "boss crew," which refers to the trusted companion of a bus driver. Similarly, her plush toys are crafted to be beloved companions for children and collectors, promoting a connection to PNG's wildlife.  Boss Crew PNG has since developed six distinct plush toy designs under its Poro Adventures range of PNG endangered animals, including the Kapul (Cuscus), Suna (Tree Kangaroo), Piku (Pig-nosed Turtle), Kumul (Bird of Paradise), and Muruk (Cassowary).  A portion of the profit is donated to the Tenkile Conservation Alliance, an organisation that supports the protection of the tenkile tree kangaroos, a critically endangered species of tree kangaroo found in the Torricelli mountains of Sandaun Province.  Suna is a representation of the Tenkile Tree Kangaroo. Meriba-May finds it deeply rewarding to see children, both local and abroad, enjoy these plush toys while contributing to a greater cause. The Poro Adventures range of PNG endangered animal plush toys was officially launched on City Pharmacy shelves on March 8, 2023, coinciding with International Women’s Day.   Meriba-May is now a participant in the CPL Foundation Inc. (CPLF) and Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) Business Mentoring Program 2024, an initiative aimed at empowering women-led businesses in Papua New Guinea. As one of six mentees selected for this pilot program, she completed a four-day in-person training workshop with ABV business professional Zarah de la Cruz and is currently undergoing a six-month remote mentoring phase.  “The mentoring program has been transformational for me. I’ve gained clarity, confidence, and actionable skills to strengthen my marketing strategies and enhance my operations,” Meriba-May shared.  The CPLF-ABV Business Mentoring Program was co-developed to solely focus on women entrepreneurs in Papua New Guinea. With all six mentees now in their remote mentoring phase, the participants look forward to Zarah returning in April 2025 to conclude the program with another in-person engagement, marking the successful completion of this initiative.   

We’re thrilled to announce that Naomi Toole has been appointed as Chief Impact Officer at ABV. In this pivotal role, Naomi will oversee the design and quality of our programs, lead strategic program development, and build impactful partnerships that enhance ABV’s leadership locally and globally. Naomi’s deep expertise, strong values, and over six years of dedicated service to ABV make her the ideal fit for this role. She will collaborate with our executive team to accelerate ABV’s vision of strengthening communities through business. #Leadership #CommunityDevelopment #Impact

ABV thanks the emergency responders who are in the field, and on call at this time of year. Australia relies on our emergency responders, and our community resilience work aims to support this critical work. #CommunityResilience #DisasterPreparedness #AustralianBushfireSeason https://lnkd.in/gaCSdqpQ

ABV’s 2024: A Story of Initiative, Innovation, and Impact. 2024 was a transformative year for ABV, one that expanded our horizons and deepened our impact across Australia and the Pacific. From advocating for systemic change to empowering communities and businesses, our journey highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation. Recognition for our work came in many forms. We were honoured as semi-finalists for the Australian Small Business Community Ally Award and received the Good Design Green Tick Award for Social Impact, a nod to our innovative work in disaster and economic resilience. As 2024 drew to a close, it was clear that ABV’s story is one of perseverance and progress. From empowering small businesses to building resilient communities, our mission continues to evolve with every challenge we face. Looking ahead to 2025, we are more determined than ever to expand our impact, deepen our partnerships, and pioneer new approaches to community resilience and economic growth. Thank you to our partners, volunteers, and supporters for being part of this journey. Together, we are creating a brighter, more resilient future. #CommunityResilience #Reflections #SMEPacific #DisasterResilienceAustralia #CorporateESG

ABV's Brigitte White and Garth Preece had an amazing time supporting Christmas in Community with the Greatland team. A fantastic celebration filled with BBQs, laughter and connecting with the Martu community. #GGP #Martu #ChristmasInCommunity

🎄 Wishing You a Merry Christmas! 🎄 From all of us at the ABV team, we hope your holiday season is filled with joy, laughter, and cherished moments with loved ones. Please note: Our office will be closed from Monday, December 23rd, to Friday, December 27th, 2024. Thank you for being part of our journey this year. Here's to an incredible year ahead! Warm wishes, The ABV Team

We're #hiring a new Head of Australia Operations - Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane in Sydney, New South Wales. Apply today or share this post with your network.

🌟 Building Sustainable Communities in East Gippsland 🌟 Launched in mid-2024, the Resilient Regions program supports East Gippsland communities in disaster planning, recovery, and addressing social and economic challenges. This initiative invites communities to define what sustainability looks like for their community and region. With a focus on resilience and long-term sustainability, local leaders and volunteers are making progress with communities across Orbost, Nowa Nowa, and Mallacoota. ABV Skilled Volunteers and experts from our partner Arup are collaborating on innovative projects to support this vision. With many communities reaching out to join this collective effort, we invite any group in East Gippsland to connect with us. Together, we’re building sustainable, resilient communities for a brighter future. 📧 Email us at hello@abv.org.au Proudly supported by the Victorian Government. #ResilientRegions #SustainableCommunities #CommunityStrength #EastGippsland #DisasterRecovery #LocalLeadership #SocialImpact #Victoria

Great to see more organisations amplifying community voices in disaster recovery! 🌟 Stories like these not only inspire but also highlight the power of community-led efforts in building resilience and creating meaningful connections. #CommunityResilience #DisasterRecovery #EastGippsland #DisasterWISE #CommunityLedRecovery