For every $1 invested in cash, volunteer time and other resources to run the Rumbalara Football Netball Club, it generates at least $5.45 return in social value.
This return is in terms of increased social connectedness, well being, and the mental health status of its members and other community members. It is the creation of employment outcomes, personal development, physical health, indigenous pride and the support of the delivery of a range of non-sport programs for the indigenous communities in the Greater Shepparton region. Rumba delivers a similar suite of sporting, social and business networking activities to many other sports clubs in Australia.
However, it is unique in that it offers or facilitates a range of community-focused activities aimed at increasing the capacity of the indigenous population to improve their mental and physical well being. These programs range from providing financial literacy training to formal education and employment placement programs and are often delivered in partnership with other providers. Rumba is an institution with cultural authority led by indigenous leaders.
This creates an environment where programs are delivered with cultural sensitivity and, over time, this has created a club that its members feel can be trusted. It benefits the community by developing leadership and interpersonal skills of its members, transferring cultural knowledge, providing a family-focused social network, facilitating access to support services, influencing behaviour of young people, and instilling a sense of pride in individuals’ indigenous identity. Rumba has played an important role in facilitating awareness and understanding of indigenous culture and values within the Shepparton and wider regional community.
Despite being unable to secure long-term sustainable funding, Rumba is a model of a successful program designed to improve the mental health and well being of indigenous Australians, because it:
- takes a holistic approach and designs programs specific to the context setting
- is driven in consultation with the indigenous community and built on the indigenous values of family, connection and culture
- empowers individuals while providing support
- partners with relevant community organisations; and
- has a long-term sustainable model which builds capacity in the community.
