CommBank has announced its 2025 Next Chapter Innovation partners, maintaining the program's focus on supporting innovative, community-led programs that address financial abuse in First Nations communities.
This announcement coincides with the release of CommBank's FY26-28 Elevate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and reflects its ambition to be a trusted partner to First Nations peoples as they achieve their social, cultural and economic aspirations.
Over the next 18 months two First Nations-led organisations, Mudgin-gal Aboriginal Corporation (NSW) and Mookai Rosie-Bi-Bayan (QLD) will each receive access to grants of up to $200,000 plus tailored non-financial assistance, including, executive mentoring, and capability-building support from across CommBank.
Supporting solutions designed by the community, for the community
Now in its third year, CommBank's Next Chapter Innovation program is part of the bank's broader commitment to help address domestic and family violence (DFV) and financial abuse, to support victim-survivors on their path to long-term financial independence.
Recent research by the Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network (ICAN) highlights that financial abuse can affect First Nations peoples in unique ways. The ICAN report explores how financial control within relationships and the exploitation of cultural obligations can create financial stress. It also emphasises the importance of culturally safe, community-led solutions to overcome barriers to seeking support.
The Next Chapter Innovation program is investing in First Nations-led place-based initiatives that provide culturally informed, practical responses to financial abuse - creating safer pathways to financial security.
Introducing CommBank's 2025 Next Chapter Innovation partners
This year's partners were nominated by members of CommBank's First Nations Employee Network and have been selected for their innovative, community-based approaches to supporting recovery in First Nations communities.
- Mudgin-gal Aboriginal Corporation (NSW) - Mudgin-gal - meaning "Women's Place", has stood at the heart of Redfern as a sanctuary for Aboriginal women and families. Entirely led by Aboriginal women, the organisation has become a beacon of community strength, cultural healing, and early intervention in the fight against family violence. Mudgin-gal Aboriginal Corporation will deliver Sacred Circles - trauma-informed, healing-led sessions that blend cultural practice with practical financial education, supporting women's recovery and financial empowerment.
- Mookai Rosie-Bi-Bayan (QLD) - With more than 35 years of experience providing healthcare and accommodation services to women and children of Queensland's Cape York, NPA, and Torres Strait regions, Mookai Rosie-Bi-Bayan is continuing the legacy of their Aunties by establishing the 'Building Futures, Building Communities' program. The initiative will create a social enterprise that supports victim-survivor recovery and generates income by harnessing traditional knowledge of plants, to make medicinal healing products, empowering women with both cultural and economic strength.
CommBank will also continue to work with its 2024 Next Chapter Innovation partners, Strong Women Talking and the Council of Aboriginal Services Western Australia (CASWA).
Mitchell Heritage, CommBank Executive Manager looking after First Nations business banking and a member of CommBank's Indigenous Leadership Team said: "CommBank's Next Chapter Innovation program was established to help break the cycle of financial abuse and empower people to rebuild long-term financial independence. This year, we are pleased to support First Nations communities through the program by investing in innovative, culturally informed programs. We are proud to back community-led organisations that are delivering real change on the ground."
