Our Community
From local initiatives and grant recipients to events and collaborations, these are the stories of people and communities creating opportunity and driving change from the ground up. We’re proud to walk alongside them in strengthening opportunity and making a lasting difference across Australia.
Supporting Growth Through Creativity: Courtney Jane Media
With support from the Mibilla Foundation, Courtney Jane Media has taken an important step forward in growing a creative business grounded in community and storytelling.
Through the investment in essential equipment, including a new camera body and upgraded computer, Courtney has significantly improved both the quality and efficiency of her work. This has enabled her to take on more opportunities, deliver high-quality photography and media services, and respond to clients with greater consistency and faster turnaround times.
Courtney’s work extends beyond business - it plays a meaningful role in her community. From capturing local events to supporting small businesses and sharing community stories, her photography helps highlight the people, culture, and moments that matter most.
Since receiving the grant, Courtney has continued to build both her capability and confidence, strengthening the foundation of her business. She shared that the support from the Mibilla Foundation came at a critical time, providing practical assistance that has helped position Courtney Jane Media for long-term sustainability and success.
From Grant Support to Global Opportunities
Mibilla Foundation General Grants recipient Willhelm Lauenstein, founder of Shots on Country, has continued to expand his photography and storytelling work since receiving support through the Foundation’s grant program.
Willhelm received funding to upgrade his photography equipment, enabling him to strengthen the quality of his work and grow his business.
The investment has allowed Shots on Country to deliver high-quality media coverage for Indigenous sporting carnivals, community events and representative teams across the Northern Territory and Queensland.
Additionally Willhelm has begun engaging other Indigenous and local creatives as photographers, videographers and editors - creating opportunities for skills development and paid work within the communities he works with.
Shots on Country was also invited to travel to Las Vegas to capture and document international rugby league content, providing behind-the-scenes coverage and storytelling from a global stage while building connections and expanding the brand’s reach internationally.
Alongside Shots on Country, Willhelm was recently named the Royal Australian Air Force Aviator of the Year at the Air Force Proficiency and Leadership Awards - further recognition of his leadership and service.
Serving as an Indigenous Liaison Officer with No. 13 Squadron in Darwin, Willhelm plays an important role in mentoring others, advocating for cultural understanding and strengthening connections between the Air Force and community.
Through Shots on Country, Willhelm continues to document and celebrate Indigenous culture, sport and community stories while building a sustainable creative business.
Celebrating Torres Strait Culture Through Storytelling
With support from our grants program, one of our partner organisations has created a beautiful series of children’s books celebrating Torres Strait Islander culture, traditions, and local knowledge.
The Ilan Style children’s book series aims to deepen understanding and appreciation of Torres Strait Islander culture - particularly Meriam traditions - by embedding language and cultural knowledge into engaging, curriculum-aligned stories for primary school students.
Written primarily in English for accessibility, each book incorporates selected Meriam Mir words connected to nature, sea life, family, and cultural values.
These words are supported by English translations and a pronunciation guide, helping teachers and students engage meaningfully with the traditional language of the Meriam people.
All ten books in the series have now been completed and are available on the Ilan Style website. The full set supports early learning, cultural education, and connection to Country. We are proud to have supported this project and to see it now available for communities, educators, and students.
Driving Change: Helping Students Stay Connected
The Mibilla Foundation is proud to support Ngaruki Gulgul Central School with a grant to purchase a new automatic minibus, ensuring students can travel to school safely, reliably, and together.
Ngaruki Gulgul Central School is a registered, accredited non-government special assistance school for Year 9–12 students who have not found success in traditional education settings.
The school’s holistic approach supports young people facing complex challenges, providing a safe and culturally supportive environment where students can reconnect with learning, community, and future opportunities.
As enrolments continue to grow, the school’s previous 12-seater bus was no longer sufficient. The new automatic minibus will ensure all students can travel together in a single trip and will also enhance opportunities for community connection - including excursions, school events, and the transport of families and carers to parent-teacher nights and community meetings.
The Mibilla Foundation congratulates Ngaruki Gulgul Central School and its community on this milestone and looks forward to seeing the continued impact of their work.
Celebrating Torres Strait Culture Through Storytelling
Driving Change: Helping Students Stay Connected