Barmal Bijiril was established as a response to the lack of a First Nations owned and controlled presence in the generic philanthropic sector in Australia

With a generous establishment grant from Towards a Just Society Fund in 2020, and the generous support of Indigenous Employment Partners, The CEO established a First Nations Elders Advisory Group, and a Philanthropic Reference Group in early 2021

The Elders Group supported and refined the idea of a First Nations national representative body consisting of people working in the philanthropic sector. This has become The Blak Loungeroom

The Group also supported the development of a Truth-Telling Programme, where philanthropic Trustees could participate with Barmal Bijiril in improving relationships by mutual healing

And thirdly, the Group identified that the number one priority facing our people is to address the appalling state of the First Nations Youth Justice sector.