Biennale of Sydney X DAAR x Think+DO Tank Foundation - Whitlam Prime Ministerial Home
Thank you for joining Think+DO Tank Foundation, Biennale of Sydney and DAAR. Your presence was a generous and meaningful show of connection, curiosity, and care. We are deeply grateful to everyone who came together to sit, listen, reflect, and contribute to the spirit of the hasira (حصیرة).
These gatherings are part of haṣīra (حصیرة): Framing and Unframing, presented by Think+DO Tank in partnership with DAAR (Decolonising Architecture Art Research) as part of the Biennale of Sydney 2026. Together we are exploring how hosting, dialogue, and collective reflection can create space for grief, refusal, joy, and co-struggle.
Thank you to Whitlam Institute for making this venue accessible.
Gathering on the hasira (حصیرة) created a space for thoughtful exchange and shared presence. The conversations, reflections, and moments of listening that unfolded helped shape a temporary room without walls — a place where different experiences, geographies, and perspectives could meet. Your willingness to engage openly and respectfully is what makes this community possible.
Photo credits to Benjamin TigerLa - My Tiger Productions
Whitlam Prime Ministerial Home
Biennale of Sydney X DAAR x Think+DO Tank Foundation at Banks of the Parramatta River, Rydalmere
Thank you for joining Think+DO Tank Foundation, Biennale of Sydney and DAAR. Your presence was a generous and meaningful show of connection, curiosity, and care. We are deeply grateful to everyone who came together to sit, listen, reflect, and contribute to the spirit of the hasira (حصیرة).
These gatherings are part of haṣīra (حصیرة): Framing and Unframing, presented by Think+DO Tank in partnership with DAAR (Decolonising Architecture Art Research) as part of the Biennale of Sydney 2026. Together we are exploring how hosting, dialogue, and collective reflection can create space for grief, refusal, joy, and co-struggle.
Gathering on the hasira (حصیرة) created a space for thoughtful exchange and shared presence. The conversations, reflections, and moments of listening that unfolded helped shape a temporary room without walls — a place where different experiences, geographies, and perspectives could meet. Your willingness to engage openly and respectfully is what makes this community possible.
Photo credits to Benjamin TigerLa - My Tiger Productions
Banks of the Parramatta River, Rydalmere
Biennale of Sydney X DAAR x Think+DO Tank Foundation - Community grounding at TDTF
Thank you for joining Think+DO Tank Foundation, Biennale of Sydney and DAAR for the Community Grounding on Tuesday 3rd March 2026. Your presence was a generous and meaningful show of connection, curiosity, and care. We are deeply grateful to everyone who came together to sit, listen, reflect, and contribute to the spirit of the hasira (حصیرة).
These gatherings are part of haṣīra (حصیرة): Framing and Unframing, presented by Think+DO Tank in partnership with DAAR (Decolonising Architecture Art Research) as part of the Biennale of Sydney 2026. Together we are exploring how hosting, dialogue, and collective reflection can create space for grief, refusal, joy, and co-struggle.
Gathering on the hasira (حصیرة) created a space for thoughtful exchange and shared presence. The conversations, reflections, and moments of listening that unfolded helped shape a temporary room without walls — a place where different experiences, geographies, and perspectives could meet. Your willingness to engage openly and respectfully is what makes this community possible.
Photo credits to Benjamin TigerLa - My Tiger Productions and Rachel Haywood
DAY ONE - Community Grounding
Day Two - Whitlam Prime Ministerial Home
To The Streets – Sending Love from Fairfield to Coffs
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which this work took place and pay our deepest respects to their Elders past and present. We honour the Cabrogal people of the Darug Nation, the Quandamooka people of Moreton Bay and Minjerribah, the Worimi people, and the Gumbaynggirr people of the Mid North Coast, including communities across Nambucca Heads and Coffs Harbour. We also recognise the Bulagan community and their ongoing work in language and cultural revitalisation. We extend our respect to all First Nations Elders, knowledge holders, and community leaders who continue to care for Country, culture, and community, and who generously share their stories, language, and wisdom.
Sovereignty was never ceded. This always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders - please with care we advise that content may contain images, voices, or names of deceased persons.
From Marian Abboud, Director of Multilingual Programming, Think+DO Tank Foundation, with deep respect and discovery
“Being part of this exchange has reaffirmed something I deeply believe in: language is more than words… its identity, memory, resilience, and belonging. What we participated in was a living practice and it inspires everything we do.”
Think+DO Tank Foundation been developing a meaningful cultural exchange between Fairfield and Coffs Harbour for over 2 years, aimed at connecting migrant and refugee communities across two major settlement areas. Guided by First Nations Elders, artists, and community leaders from Cabrogal to Gumbaynggirr Country. Focused on deepening community connection, facilitating language exchange, and supporting cultural revitalisation. The residency rooted us in land and First Nations histories, while also connecting us with communities whose values align with ours.
This year, in collaboration with Quandamooka artist Megan Cope from Moreton Bay/Minjerribah, TDTF supported myself alongside colleagues Helen Guliana, Sama Saba, Maryam Mansoor, and community connections Christie Duong, and Emma Hartbridge on a journey from Fairfield to Coffs in the TDTF People Movers 12-seater bus. We carried our curiosity, our hope to learn, and a desire to forge new friendships. This artist-community residency anchored us in land, culture, and shared histories. It felt as though we were planting roots in places that, while unfamiliar, welcomed us wholeheartedly.
Our journey began at the Murrook Culture Centre on Worimi Country, Murrook means “good” or “happy” in Gathang. Curator Nicole Chaffey brought storytelling, family history, and cultural connection to life during our tour of the gallery and interactive spaces, awakening us to the richness of stories passed down across generations. Walking across the stunning grounds with Uncle Jim and Aunty Lorraine Lilley with Uncle Neville Lilley grounded us in their Welcome to Country, embedding a foundational sense of respect and belonging. One of the most powerful moments happened when and Uncle Neville led a truth-telling session around images of repatriation, ancestral remains returned from foreign institutions. We reflected silently and collectively on the profound necessity of this work: healing, restoring dignity, and reclaiming connections severed by the past, the emotional weight of witnessing these images and the story firsthand will stay with us always.
We were deeply grateful to reconnect with Ashleigh Frost, curator at Yarrilla Arts & Museum (YAM) and board member at Phoenix Cultural Centre. She guided us through YAM’s gallery, introduced us to local artists and organisations, inspired creative collaboration, and even lent a hand in the kitchen when we prepared dinner together.
In Nambucca Heads we hosted a powerful, cross-cultural community dinner invited by Fiona Welsh, the new Manager of Nambucca Valley Phoenix. Fiona welcomed us with deep experience in community services and a heart for inclusive engagement. She made us feel at home in the Phoenix kitchen.
The dinner was a rich tapestry of shared food, language, and culture. We prepared dishes from the many lands we call home, Vietnam, Iraq, China, Palestine, and Lebanon and fired oysters in their shells the Aboriginal way. Together on Gumbaynggirr Country, we shared traditions with Gumbaynggirr Elders like Uncle Martin Ballangarry , who generously offered language, stories, and spirit, strengthening our sense of belonging through community.
Our creative week culminated in a Gumbaynggirr language workshop led by Birrugun and Mililma May from Bulagan country. This Aboriginal-led initiative is dedicated to revitalising First Nations languages and cultural governance through intergenerational, grassroots engagement across Nambucca and Coffs Harbour. Learning from them was both an honour and a lesson in empowerment and hope for the next generation.
What touches us deeply is how art, food, story and language intertwined to become creative life. This wasn’t polished, it was warm, real, messy, and genuine. Think+DO Tank values creative care, building trust by simply showing up, and crafting spaces where creativity bridges difference. In regional areas where such exchanges are rare, places like Murrook, Nambucca Heads and Coffs or even a kitchen turned into a learning stage stand as essential expressions of belonging.
This isn’t a one-off project. It’s a journey unfolding in real time: stories deepening, friendships growing, and creative spaces blossoming across cultures, generations, and languages. As we We are just getting started, and our hearts remain open with warmth for the new friendships and learnings to come.
This project is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW.
The Grow Well 2025 Program is Back
Monthly Community Gardening Workshops
Wednesdays | 3:30 – 5:00pm
Hosted by Think+DO Tank Foundation, in partnership with the Botanic Gardens
Join us for hands-on, expert-led gardening workshops where we’ll grow, compost, and cultivate together. Whether you're new to gardening or a seasoned green thumb, come along to connect, learn, and share in our community garden.
Upcoming Workshop Dates:
Wednesday 21 May 2025
Wedesday 18 June 2025
Wednesday 30 July 2025
These workshops are led by passionate educators from the Botanic Gardens’ Community Greening team.
Meet Our New Outdoor Educator: Paris
Hello Community Greeners, I’m Paris, a gardener, outdoor educator and artist thrilled to join the team as a Community Greening Officer with the Botanic Gardens. Over the past few weeks I’ve had the pleasure of accompanying other Community Greening teammates and seeing some wonderful plants, people, communities and gardens spanning across NSW.
I’m excited to have the opportunity to get to know you and create gardens together. I studied Visual Arts and look at green spaces as an opportunity to express creativity, care for the environment and connect with others. Plants have always been a tool for me to connect with my own Pacific Islander cultural identity, and this is what initially sparked my interest in studying Horticulture and Landscape Design. My passion for exploring culture, celebrating plants and connecting with people has led me to amazing projects and opportunities, including working with the Art Gallery of NSW Djamu Youth Justice Program.
I currently facilitate regular Pacific Brotherhood programming at Frank Baxter Youth Justice Centre alongside artist Latai Taumoepeau, where we have collaborated with young men to design, plan and install their first Pacific Cultural Learning Garden at the centre.
Let’s grow well together.
🌼 All are welcome. No experience needed. Just bring your curiosity (and maybe a hat and a warm jacket for our winter season).
With Gratitude and Respect – Farewell to TDTF Chair Siobhán McCann
Think+DO Tank Foundation FoodLab Collective Shines at the Arts Leadership Forum
On March 14, Think+DO Tank Foundation (TDTF) proudly partnered with Western Sydney University Creative to present the Arts Leadership Forum.
This event was about dialogue and ideas—a celebration of culture, community, and food, featuring the remarkable women of the TDTF FoodLab Collective.
A Platform for Leadership and Storytelling
FoodLab Collective members Faten, Hakima, Helen, Janeet, Nabilah, Faiza, Wedad, and Randa worked alongside their mentors, Sivine Tabbouch from Sunday Kitchen and Palestinian community leader Mago Shaheen, to provide an extraordinary spread throughout the day. However, their contributions went far beyond the kitchen. These women were given a platform to share their experiences, insights, and aspirations. Through community-led discussions, they spoke about the intersection of food, culture, and identity, showcasing how culinary traditions are deeply woven into the fabric of their lives. These conversations reflected TDTF’s commitment to co-design and community-led initiatives, ensuring that diverse voices are not just included but genuinely heard and valued.
A Culinary Celebration of Culture
The FoodLab Collective embodies the power of food as a means of connection, storytelling, and economic empowerment. Originating from the Seed of Hope, this initiative was born out of a shared love for cooking, eating, and exchanging recipes. Over the years, the women have transformed their passion into a professional catering venture, gaining accredited Food Safe Handling training through TDTF and its partners. They are more than caterers; they are custodians of culinary traditions, each dish carrying the essence of their heritage and lived experiences.
For those who enjoyed the condiments served at the forum, be sure to explore Randa’s Kitchen, a testament to the vibrant flavours and expertise within the FoodLab Collective.
Music, Art, and Community
The Arts Leadership Forum was a holistic cultural experience. As the day unfolded, it was punctuated by performances from esteemed Palestinian musicians Majdi Al Jelda and Hala Sumak, who brought the event to a celebratory close. Their music resonated deeply, underscoring the themes of identity, resilience, and artistic expression that were at the heart of the forum.
Book FoodLab Catering Collective
FoodLab Collective catering is available for a range of events, from sit-down meals and picnics to buffets, breakfasts, teas, and late-night suppers. Whether it’s a formal gathering or a casual get-together, their inventive, delicious food brings warmth and soul to any occasion. The women of the FoodLab Collective are not only food-safe certified professionals but also storytellers who use food as a bridge between cultures, fostering understanding and appreciation through every shared meal.
By choosing FoodLab Collective catering, you are not just supporting a meal service—you are investing in a model of community-led economic empowerment, cultural exchange, and social connection. If you have an event that calls for good food and great stories, FoodLab Collective catering is ready to bring their expertise and passion to your table.
Photography: @salseye
Think+DO Tank Foundation Joins the Observership 2025 Program: Welcoming New Board Observers
On the 18th of February, TDTF attended the Observership 2025 observership.com.au program launch. Program Patron and guest speaker, David Gonski AC, delivered an inspiring speech to the upcoming board observers, offering valuable insights on the importance of communication, building relationships with executives, and engaging effectively with other board members.
About the Observership Program
The Observership Program founded in 2014 facilitates the involvement of young, talented and energetic individuals in a structured experience on non-profit and Government appointed boards. Each Observer is paired with an organisation for a 12-month period. During that time, Observers attend all board and/or committee meetings as non-voting members and learn about fundamental principles and functions of not- for-profit and Government appointed boards, the roles of board members, fiscal processes and other governance priorities.
“The Observership Program and Westpac Board Observer Program provide invaluable opportunities for emerging leaders to gain firsthand experience in the full complexity of governance while contributing their expertise to the non-profit sector. At Think+DO Tank Foundation, we see this as a meaningful way to strengthen our work in community-led impact. We’re grateful to be part of a program that fosters leadership, good governance, and real-world change.”
Meet Our New Board Observers
Think+DO Tank Foundation is proud to be participating in the program. Think+DO Tank Foundation (TDTF) Administrator Maysoon Elnigoumi, attended alongside the two selected Board Directors.
Kuppal Palaniappan (Associate Director at Multicultural NSW, TDTF Board Observer), who has a background in business, information, social impact, and design. She brings a wealth of experience and skills, and her recent work in anti-racism early intervention aligns closely with TDTF’s mission of using art to amplify community voices.
Carolina Zequim (Senior Associate at Architectus and TDTF Board Observer) who has a background in architecture and experience in planning health facilities and spaces—an area of interest for TDTF in designing modern, inclusive, and empowering community spaces.
We’re also pleased to welcome Antonija Lousin from the Westpac Board Observer Program as a TDTF Board Observer. With over 15 years of experience in risk, strategy, and governance, Antonija’s expertise in business intelligence and data visualisation will be invaluable to TDTF’s mission and impact reporting.
Board Director Sera Mirzabegian SC (Senior Counsel, Omnia Chambers) also attended, offering support and well wishes to all new Board Observers participating in the 2025 program.
“Congratulations to the Observership team on the launch of the 2025 program! Wishing the best of luck to all the new board observers, and a warm welcome to Kuppal and Carolina—we look forward to your contributions to TDTF’s mission of empowering and connecting communities.”
MIRROR 2025 Winners Announced in Books+Publishing
Last week, we revealed the winners of our 2025 MIRROR Mentorship project, which you can read more about on our website dedicated to the fostering of bilingual children’s literature: MIRROR.
Trade publication, Books+Publishing has picked up this story here.
Leila Frijat, Lia “Lima” Maula (also shortlisted in 2022), and Huaning Wu are the fantastic illustrators taking part in this unique program.
Frijat, Maula and Wu will receive a year-long mentorship—with author-illustrators Freda Chiu, Sher Rill Ng, and Zeno Sworder respectively—as well as a $4000 stipend, alongside publishing masterclasses and networking opportunities.
Established in 2022, the mentorship program is designed to connect industry professionals with emerging writers, illustrators and literary translators who come from historically marginalised communities and who are developing literary work for children and young people for publication in English and in languages other than English (bilingual works). The inaugural recipients were Afsaneh Khoramshahi, Audrey Villafaña and You Mu Amy Ge.
Think+DO Tank Foundation said of these inaugural recipients’ progress during the mentorship year: ‘These extraordinary young women produced singular leporellos and went on to secure agent representation as well as publishing opportunities.”
Paul Ramsay Foundation's Life's Lottery Podcast features TDTF Community House
In this episode of The Paul Ramsay Foundation’s podcast series, “Life’s Lottery”, take a trip into the Think+DO Tank Foundation’s Community House in Fairfield and hear how our Community Connectors and Creative Educators work to build holistic, people-centred practices that promote creativity, wellbeing, social connectedness, joy and the conditions for equity.
The Great Digital Divide - TDTF advocates for digital inclusion in Western Sydney
Inequities in internet access existed before the COVID-19 pandemic, but its onslaught has only exacerbated the gap. Monica Crouch talks to the people trying to close it.
Monica Crouch follows the story of inequities in digital connectivity, capacity and devices and hardware in Western Sydney in conversation with Wester’ly members, Jane Stratton, CEO, Think+DO Tank Foundation and Claire Thomas, Manager of School and Community Engagement for Jesuit Social Services.
