Help Us Build the Village – A Motherhood Circle in Canberra

Because motherhood was never meant to be done alone.

Hi, I’m Rach — a local mum of two little ones and the founder of Shine Om. I’ve been dreaming about creating a real, heart-led community for mothers. One where we gather with our children, share slow afternoons, cook and eat together, and remember what it feels like to be supported.

I’m building that dream — and I’m calling it The Village.

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What is The Village?

The Village is a grassroots, not-for-profit community gathering for mothers and their children in Canberra. It’s for those in the early years of parenting, whether your little one is in arms, toddlering about or you’re homeschooling a growing tribe and it’s rooted in connection, nourishment, and presence.

We’ll meet weekly in a community space in Canberra’s Inner North, share time in nature, cook a simple dinner together, and sit in circle. Children will play freely. Mothers will exhale. And together, we’ll remember that we don’t have to do this alone.

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✨ Why I’m Asking for Your Help

While The Village is a passion project of mine, I can’t do it without support.

I’m asking for donations to help cover the upfront costs of launching our first 4-week pilot season and to keep it accessible for all families, regardless of income.

Every dollar will go directly toward:

• Venue hire at the local church hall

• Ingredients for shared meals (think spag bol, lentil dahl, or veggie pasta bakes)

• Basic materials (utensils, cleaning supplies, low tables or mats for children and any play materials the children may need)

• Subsidised places for families

This is a not-for-profit community initiative offering under Shine Om, with 100% of donations reinvested into The Village community. I’ll be managing it personally and transparently, and am happy to share updates, receipts, and reports as we go.

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How You Can Support

Every bit counts. Whether you can give a little or a lot, you’re helping build something that could change the motherhood experience for dozens of local families and therefore the childhoods of many young ones.

Here’s what your donation could do:

• $20 = Nourishing dinner for one family

• $50 = Half of the ingredients for the group

• $100 = Covers the venue for one gathering

• $200 = Covers one full week of The Village (venue + food)

• $500 = Supports subsidised access for low-income families across the pilot

If you can’t donate, you can still help! Share this with someone who might believe in the power of mothers supporting mothers. If you would like to volunteer you’re time to help cook or offering a service to the weekly circles please get in touch via Instagram @shineomau.

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Let’s bring the village back, together.

This is more than a group. It’s a remembering.

A remembering that motherhood was once held in community. That food tastes better when it’s shared. That children thrive when they see us connected and resourced and are raised by conscious and supportive allo parents.

Thank you for being part of this. Your support helps plant the seeds of a more connected, supported, heart-led motherhood in our city.

With love and gratitude,

Rach

The Village by Shine Om

Canberra, ACT