Name: Cassandra Butler
Location: Simpsons Creek, VIC
Course(s) Studied: Diploma of Community Group Coordination and Facilitation
My name is Cassandra Butler, and I am a proud Cabrogal Dharug woman from New South Wales, now living and working on Gunaikurnai Country in Victoria. I work as the Community Success Lead for an Indigenous-owned business, where I support and work alongside remote Aboriginal communities through facilitation, coordination, and community development initiatives.
I recently completed the Diploma of Community Group Coordination and Facilitation through RuralBiz Training. I chose this qualification because of its flexible, distance-based delivery, which allowed me to balance full-time work while raising my children and travelling. The course aligned strongly with my passion for First Nations agriculture, sustainable food systems, and Indigenous-led community development.
Completing the diploma has strengthened my understanding of group dynamics, facilitation, leadership, and collaboration. These skills will help me continue fostering partnerships between communities, government agencies, and organisations, while supporting Indigenous rural community development and natural resource management activities.
I believe strongly in ensuring that Indigenous knowledge continues to guide food production and land management for future generations, and this qualification has provided valuable tools to support that vision.
I would like to thank RuralBiz Training for the opportunity to study and for awarding me the 2025 RuralBiz Training Scholarship. It has made a meaningful difference to both my professional and personal journey in many ways, and I encourage others to apply!