At the heart of the Indigenous Education Foundation (IEF) is a passionate, volunteer-driven team. Each of us contributes our time, energy, and skills outside of our day jobs because we believe in the power of collective action and community. Our volunteer Board and broader team wear this commitment with pride, knowing that every dollar raised goes directly to supporting our Indigenous partner organisations.

It is this clarity of purpose – and the visible impact of our work – that fuels us to build meaningful partnerships, seek out grassroots opportunities, and continually grow IEF’s reach and relevance.

One of the most powerful examples of this spirit in action comes from a community of Melbourne-based venues that have been generously donating their single-use containers to IEF through the Container Deposit Scheme (CDS). What started as a small act of generosity has grown into a movement – venues opening their doors and hearts to support Indigenous education, one container at a time.

To capture this growing sense of connection, we’ve created a short video that gives voice to the people behind this effort – the business owners, volunteers, and supporters who are helping turn bottles and cans into lasting change. View below or on Youtube HERE

Accompanying this is a poem from IEF Board Member, Tri Duc Nguyen, whose words reflect not only the mechanics of this initiative, but the human connections that form along the way. It reminds us that community is built through trust, respect, and shared purpose – and that even small, repeated acts can leave a lasting legacy.

Poem:

My CDS Community
by Tri Duc Nguyen (IEF Board Member)

There are many good people in the world

A nervous unsolicited enquiry for and with a purpose.
A diplomatic patient listening while reserving judgment
…of and on a complete stranger.
A difficult task in a society of rapidly eroding moral framework.
A judgment call to embrace the request
…made on inherently shared values.
A settling in of regular routine on both sides.
A smile, and brief chat on each visit
…trust and appreciation ensue.
A new connection made upon each visit, each greeting.
A conversation with each like-minded soul
…begets mutual respect and appreciation.
A community is formed, each member contributing in their own ways.
A great social outcome crystallizes
…each day a legacy encoded in the time continuum.
My CDS community.

We thank every venue, supporter, and volunteer involved. Your commitment not only uplifts our mission – it strengthens the fabric of community itself.

Thank you for your committment and the inspiration given to IEF and our Indigenous-led partners.