Aboriginal Economic Development - Victoria

The Australian Indigenous Tourism Conference (AITC) is coming to Naarm in October!

Early bird tickets close on 30 July for the national conference that brings together First Peoples tourism businesses to network, share knowledge and promote their products.

The AITC is being proudly supported by the Victorian Government and will be a showcase of Victorian First Peoples businesses and will take their exceptional work to a national and international stage.

Early bird tickets offer participants full access to all conference sessions, workshops, and networking events at a discounted rate, with this year’s program highlights delving into topics shaping Aboriginal tourism, including everything from youth engagement, to inclusivity and ways to drive economic growth.

The conference is taking place from 29 to 31 October at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Register now: https://bit.ly/4dkeHa3

It was fantastic to visit the DUMAWUL Cultural Tourism and Creative Arts Hub last week to announce the Victorian Aboriginal Business Investment Program, which is now open.

If you run a business, you might be eligible for funding to help your business grow and be more sustainable.

Grants from $5,000 to $10,000 are available for business support activities like training and accreditations, mentorship, networking, marketing and promotion.

Grants from $10,000 to $100,000 are available for business growth activities like purchasing new assets, planning and delivering business cases, and conducting feasibility studies.

This is a fantastic opportunity to give your business a boost. Don’t wait to apply!

Learn more and apply now: www.business.vic.gov.au/aboriginal-business-grants DJAARA

During – and every week – we proudly celebrate Aboriginal economic and entrepreneurial achievements.

Through the Yuma Yirramboi Strategy we’re creating opportunities for Victorian Aboriginal businesses to grow, evolve and move towards self-determination.

Yuma Yirramboi, which means ‘invest in tomorrow’ in Woiwurrung language, is the Victorian Government and Aboriginal Victorians shared vision to generate greater individual and collective wealth for Aboriginal Victorians.

Learn more about the Yuma Yirramboi Strategy: https://djsir.vic.gov.au/priorities-and-initiatives/yuma-yirramboi-strategy

National NAIDOC

We’re looking forward to the Australian Indigenous Tourism Conference (AITC), coming in October this year!

If you’re a First Nations Victorian artist – or know someone who is – check out this fantastic opportunity to design the conference logo.

The AITC 2024 Logo Design Competition is on now 🎨

Submissions have been extended until 28 May so submit your artwork today!

🎨Seeking Victorian Artists to create a logo for the 11th Australian Indigenous Tourism Conference 🌟

The Australian Indigenous Tourism Conference (AITC) is Australia's key Indigenous tourism conference. We are now seeking Victorian artists to create a logo for the 11th Australian Indigenous Tourism Conference which will take place in Naarm/Melbourne from 29-31 October 2024.

The theme is "Songlines – Cultural Threads", highlighting authentic Aboriginal tourism opportunities in the industry.

Budget & Other Benefits:

Design fee: $2,000 (cash)
Non-exclusive, royalty-free license for logo use until mid-late 2026.
Opportunity to showcase your work at AITC 2024.
1 complimentary conference registration.

Submit your artwork and be part of AITC 2024 https://www.aitc.org.au/contact/logo-design 🎨🌟

Submission Deadline: 15th May 2024

Thank you to everyone who joined us and shared their invaluable insights during our consultations for the First Peoples Tourism Plan. Since February, we've hosted 58 attendees across 14 workshops. One of the key themes highlighted was the significance of mentoring and fostering opportunities for young people on Country.

It was great to meet everyone and to have the shared purpose of empowering First Peoples communities to develop a self-determined First Peoples Tourism Plan for Victoria.

We’ll keep you posted on the progress and thanks again to Karabena Consulting and Tiffany Garvie for facilitating and documenting these sessions.

A group of leading Victorian First Nations food and beverage businesses have returned from a trade mission to Aotearoa New Zealand led by the us and supported by Global Victoria.
Participants took part in networking and business matching, visited different companies and participated in cultural exchanges.
According to Michael from Melbourne Jerky they have “have come back with a ‘money can’t buy’ amount of knowledge and feedback.”
We’re excited to see what opportunities now come from the trip as Aboriginal businesses thrive and grow🌏

BLAK BREWS Jala Jala Treats Mabu Mabu Melbourne Jerky New Zealand Trade & Enterprise

Today, March 21st is National Close the Gap Day. We’re striving for health equity for mob.

On National Close the Gap Day, we have an opportunity to send a clear message that Australians value health equality as a fundamental right for all. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples still live, on average, 10-11 years less than non-Indigenous Australians.

Closing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander life expectancy gap is everyone’s business: it is a national issue in which every individual, organisation and group in Australia can play a role.

For more information on how you can get involved see: http://spr.ly/6186kLsNj

The DUMAWUL Cultural Tourism and Creative Arts Hub in Bendigo is now open!

The hub will provide support to Aboriginal creatives and businesses, and showcase Aboriginal art and culture, putting the original culture back into the landscape of central Bendigo.

See more: https://dumawul.com.au/

Photo Credit: Bill Conroy

The Aboriginal Tourism Team is on the road for the First Peoples Tourism Plan Roadshow! We want to hear from First Peoples tourism operators to help us understand how we can best support you and your business.

We’ll be running in-person and virtual events over the coming month, starting next week with and Metro virtual sessions.

To learn more and register for a session, visit https://go.vic.gov.au/42C9YMU

Leave Early when the Fire Danger Rating is Extreme or Catastrophic. Download the VicEmergency app and check the Fire Danger Rating daily.

Jaramer Legal & Indigenous Data Network at The University of Melbourne are hosting workshops to help The Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (DJSIR) to develop a First Peoples' Data Sovereignty Framework and the views of First Peoples across Victoria are being sought to shape the Framework.

Get your free tickets here:
https://events.humanitix.com/first-peoples-data-sovereignty-melbourne-community-workshop

We’re adjusting our usual business hours this festive season.

Our office will be closed from 25 December 2023 to 1 January 2024, inclusive.

We won't be monitoring our social media during this time. However, you can still send us a private message and we will reply to you when we return.

We wish you all the best during the holiday season.

Congratulations to First Nations Bushfood and Botanical Alliance Australia on the success of the 2nd National Sovereign Food and Botanicals Symposium.

The bushfoods and botanicals industry is growing, and Australian natives being widely used in perfumes, cosmetics, drinks and food.

The Symposium is part of the important work the Alliance is doing to support First Nations bushfoods and botanicals businesses.

We proudly backed 10 Victorian First Nations businesses to join this year’s ‘Pathways to Sovereignty’ Symposium in Darwin.

The businesses that attended brought back knowledge and forged new relationships to help grow this important Victorian sector.

We’re excited to continue our work to support First Nations businesses in Victoria! See https://www.fnbbaa.org.au/ for more information.





Image 1: From left to right Kate Johnson from Colgate/Palmolive Sarah Bryant from Woolworths and FNNBA Board Members Rayleen Brown, Pat Torres, Dale Chapman and Sharon Brindley.

Image 2: Professor Daniel Robinson from UNSW speaking about Intellectual Property and Benefit sharing agreements.

Victorian Aboriginal businesses have explored new trade and investment opportunities as part of our first Aboriginal Trade Mission to Sri Lanka.

In collaboration with Sri Lanka and Australia Chamber of Commerce and supported by Global Victoria, the delegation representing food, fashion, and textiles sectors engaged in over 400 business-to-business meetings during the 7-day visit.

Beyond boardrooms, we ventured on 16 site and factory visits, gaining valuable insights and exploring new opportunities. But what truly set this mission apart was our visit with the Indigenous Vedda community in Dambana. It was a two-way exchange of knowledge, a sharing of wisdom, and a connection that goes beyond business.

This mission wasn't just about strengthening the bilateral ties between our two nations; it was about people first, and business second. We forged new connections, immersed ourselves in cultural activities, and connected with Sri Lanka's indigenous peoples with the goal of building future partnerships.

From cultural exchanges to economic collaborations, we're building bridges that go beyond borders 🤝🌟

Sri Lanka and Australia Chamber of Commerce
The National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (NCCSL)
Sri Lanka Export Development Board
Kinaway Chamber of Commerce Vic Ltd
SupplyAus
Ilan Style
Mabu Mabu
Clothing The Gaps

Tickets on sale now!
Join us in celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business excellence at this year’s Victorian Aboriginal Business Awards, presented by Kinaway Chamber of Commerce Vic Ltd

These awards celebrate Kinaway certified businesses who are achieving outstanding results in their industries, as well as the Corporate Partners who are leading procurement and collaborations.

Mark your calendar for Friday 24th November 2023, and join us at The Timber Yard in Port Melbourne.

https://events.humanitix.com/kinaway-presents-the-victorian-aboriginal-business-awards-2023

Two First Nations fashion labels made their global debut at Jakarta Fashion Week during . Congratulations to Yanggurdi and wa_ring_

In partnership with Global Victoria, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Austrade, the trade mission included designers Josh Deane of By Josh Deane, and Blak Queens Thelma Austin as well as established industry leaders from KIN Fashion and the Kinaway Chamber of Commerce Vic Ltd Peter Naughton and Alison Geppert.

International visits are an opportunity to showcase the work of incredible Aboriginal Victorian businesses and leaders. These visits also open the door to new partnerships, knowledge sharing, and the chance to meet with people who are leading in Jakarta fashion and textiles.

The trade mission was proudly supported by Yuma Yirramboi, the Victorian Government and Aboriginal Victorians' shared employment and economic strategy. Find out more: www.djsir.vic.gov.au/aed

Indigenous Business Month
Jakarta Fashion Week

This we proudly took First Nations fashion to the world.

Together with award-winning label Ngali, we led the first ever First Nations trade mission to Dubai. Ngali founder Denni Francisco showcased her label’s Murriyang Collection to international buyers at Dubai Fashion Week, while we connected with event organisers to create future opportunities for First Nations artists and creatives at a global level.

Indigenous Business Month



Arab Fashion Council
Ngali_Australia

This October, Indigenous Business Month celebrates 9 years of showcasing First Nations Businesses.

This year’s theme is ‘To Gather, Together’ which encourages gathering to build connections and meaningful relationships with First Nations businesses.

We’re celebrating with the 600+ Victorian Aboriginal businesses registered with Kinaway Chamber of Commerce Vic Ltd.

You can do your bit to support by buying from Aboriginal owned businesses across Victoria.

To find an Aboriginal owned business, check out Kinaway’s business directory: https://www.kinaway.com.au/business-directory

Introducing Yuma Yirramboi Council Koori Caucus member Paul Paton, proud citizen of the Gunai and Monaro-Ngarigo Nations of South-Eastern Australia.

“From a very young age, my family instilled a passion and dedication in me about the preservation, continuation, and promotion of our cultures.

My own aspirations for my tenure on council are that we can draw on the collective wisdom of each member to fully implement the strategy that carries the rights and aspirations of Aboriginal businesses in Victoria to secure their economic future.

The experience, value and perspective that I feel I can bring to the Yuma Yirramboi Council is that of community mindedness and connection coupled with a viewpoint that is informed by my current role leading an organisation that is deeply involved in advocating for Traditional Owner rights, keeping government to account, nation building and knowledge sharing.”

Yuma Yirramboi supports Aboriginal businesses, employment and wealth creation by improving the economic participation of Aboriginal young people, women, those in regional Victoria and those with disability.

For more information visit https://djsir.vic.gov.au/priorities-and-initiatives/aboriginal-economic-development

Introducing Yuma Yirramboi Council Koori Caucus member Liz Allen, a proud Wurundjeri, Djaara woman.

“Growing up on Gunai Kurnai Country, I was surrounded by a close family and strong Aboriginal role models.

After 20 years of working in the employment and training industry, I could see opportunities for the community and wanted to be part of understanding how I could play a role in realising more jobs for the mob.

I could see the opportunities to make change at a policy level whilst continuing to work with the Aboriginal community that I had worked with for so many years.

My vision is for strong Aboriginal business owners to be part of the economy, generating wealth and wellbeing for future generations as a standard.”

Yuma Yirramboi supports Aboriginal businesses, employment and wealth creation by improving the economic participation of Aboriginal young people, women, those in regional Victoria and those with disability

For more information visit https://djsir.vic.gov.au/priorities-and-initiatives/aboriginal-economic-development

Introducing Yuma Yirramboi Council Koori Caucus member Brian Stevens, a proud Gunai man.

Brian’s aim is to empower Aboriginal people as change drivers by giving their voice, cultural knowledge, and practices the same importance as their business approach.

“My deep understanding and knowledge of Aboriginal history, culture, and heritage frame and anchor me to family, Country and community and will always influence my contributions to the work of the Council.

We must provide culturally appropriate support to enable the Aboriginal community and their members to lead, manage and engage in education and training to achieve their economic and employment aspirations.

Yuma Yirramboi supports Aboriginal businesses, employment and wealth creation by improving the economic participation of Aboriginal young people, women, those in regional Victoria and those with disability.

For more information visit https://djsir.vic.gov.au/priorities-and-initiatives/aboriginal-economic-development

Introducing Yuma Yirramboi Council Koori Caucus Deputy Chair, Duean White, a proud Biripi woman.

Duean’s business Career Steer helps employers develop culturally safe workplaces and supports their First Nations employees to thrive.

“For me, it’s more than just hiring Aboriginal people. It’s about creating meaningful careers for our people and valuing our contribution.

“There have never been more opportunities whether in community, for government, the private sector or even business – we now need to support people to access them and generate even more options especially for people in regional areas.

“I hope to contribute my experience in employment and career development, business and governance to the Council’s diverse mix of skills and experience. I am passionate about our people having options – whether that is study, paid employment, community work, caring activities or establishing a business – and the right tools to make choices that work for them.”

Yuma Yirramboi supports Aboriginal businesses, employment and wealth creation by improving the economic participation of Aboriginal young people, women, those in regional Victoria and those with disability.

For more information visit https://djsir.vic.gov.au/priorities-and-initiatives/aboriginal-economic-development

Are you a Victorian First Peoples tourism operator?

Do you want to showcase your business and culture on a world stage?

Aboriginal Economic Development (AED) Group is seeking expressions of interest (EOI) from Victorian First Peoples tourism operators to host an International Delegation and lead on country cultural experiences this August. Proposals can include half-day, full-day, overnight and extended-stay itineraries.

Submit your EOI now for this exciting opportunity! Submissions close on Sunday 9 July 2023.

For more information please email our team at [email protected]

Introducing Yuma Yirramboi Council Co-Chair Jason Mifsud, a proud and active member of the Kirrae, Peek and Tjab Whurrong people of the Gunditjmara nation in south-west Victoria. Jason is passionate in creating opportunities for future generations to build their skills and capabilities to secure their own financial future.

“With lived and professional experience achieving economic outcomes for our people over the past 30 years, I can appreciate the challenges our community face in getting a job, building a career or running a business.

“I also understand that many are willing to give our mob a chance. Bringing these two issues or opportunities together, for real, practical and tangible outcomes is something I want to continue to do through my role on the Council.

“My hope and dream is that Aboriginal Victorians today and in the future can seize job, career, and business opportunities without facing the barriers of previous generations."

Yuma Yirramboi supports Aboriginal businesses, employment and wealth creation by improving the economic participation of Aboriginal young people, women, those in regional Victoria and those with disability.

For more information visit https://djsir.vic.gov.au/priorities-and-initiatives/aboriginal-economic-development