How it all started
The history of Barmal Bijiril
Barmal Bijiril was created to address the critical need for a First Nations-owned and led organisation within Australia’s philanthropic sector.
With an establishment grant from the Towards a Just Society Fund in 2020 and additional support from Indigenous Employment Partners, the CEO formed a First Nations Elders Advisory Group and a Philanthropic Reference Group in early 2021.
The Elders Advisory Group refined and championed the vision for a national First Nations representative body of philanthropic professionals, which led to the formation of The Blak Loungeroom. This initiative provides a space for First Nations voices to influence the sector meaningfully.
The Elders Group also helped design a Truth-Telling Program, offering philanthropic trustees an opportunity to engage in mutual healing and build stronger, trust-based relationships with First Nations communities.
Additionally, the Group highlighted the urgent need to address the severe challenges within the First Nations Youth Justice sector, identifying this as the top priority for the organisation.
© 2026
We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners of the land on which we meet and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We recognise their enduring connection to land, waters, and culture, and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded and that this always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land
Barmal Bijiril is a registered charity with the ACNC, DGR 1 Status. ACN : 663 280 019