20 Years of Friendship: Toomelah, Boggabilla & The Jewish Mob

A Celebration of Jewish–First Nations Allyship

Join us for an afternoon of celebrating 20 years of friendship between the Jewish Mob and the communities of Toomelah and Boggabilla.

About the Event

For two decades, Stand Up’s partnership with the NSW border communities of Toomelah and Boggabilla has stood as a powerful expression of genuine connection between Jewish and First Nations Australians.

What began in 2004 as a school holiday volunteering program has grown into a multigenerational relationship built on respect, trust, and shared purpose. Jewish volunteers have travelled to these communities more than twice a year, bringing school holiday programs, sharing culture and values, and building friendships that last a lifetime.

Today, the communities of Toomelah and Boggabilla affectionately know us as “the Jewish Mob”, a sign of the deep bonds formed over years of listening, learning, and standing alongside each other.

This milestone celebration will honour that journey and the broader history of solidarity between our communities, from the early civil rights movements to today’s shared efforts for justice and reconciliation.

• Keynote from Melanie Schwartz, co-founder of Stand Up’s Derech Eretz program

• Reflections from Gomeroi Elder Madeline McGrady, born in Toomelah. 

• Euraba Artists’ Silent Art Auction / exhibit showcasing community artworks with proceeds going to the artists.

• A space to honour the past, celebrate the present, and recommit to the future of this partnership.

• A delicious afternoon tea will be provided.

Date: Sunday 14 September 2025
Time: 3.00pm - 5.00 pm
Location: Gadigal Country | Glebe, Sydney [location to be provide 24 hours prior to event]