Greater support for Aboriginal business leaders in the Goldfields

  • Aboriginal Business Leadership Program expands to Goldfields-Esperance region
  • Program aims to strengthen capacity and capability of Aboriginal business leaders to create jobs

Aboriginal business leaders and entrepreneurs in the Goldfields will be better equipped to grow and sustain their enterprise with a new leadership support program announced today.

The Aboriginal Business Leadership Program, which has been successfully implemented in the South-West and Mid-West regions, will be rolled out in the Goldfields-Esperance region to improve economic development, business and employment opportunities for Aboriginal people.

The program will develop and enhance Aboriginal business networks; and support Aboriginal businesses to develop their skills, knowledge and confidence to ensure they thrive and prosper.

Local businesses will assist in co-designing the leadership program that will include access to tailored leadership mentoring, knowledge sharing and business development expertise for up to 15 participants, over a four-month period. The program will assist current and emerging leaders to develop a business initiative as part of the training, supported through a mentoring and coaching framework.

The Aboriginal Business Leadership Program will be delivered by the Goldfields-Esperance Development Commission in partnership with Aboriginal community leaders and with support from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

Those interested in the program are encouraged to contact the Goldfields-Esperance Development Commission on (08) 9080 5000 or visit their website at https://www.gedc.wa.gov.au

As noted by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:

“The McGowan Government is committed to empowering Aboriginal people to access employment and procurement opportunities, and become resilient and capable business leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators in their community.

“This program will ensure Aboriginal businesses are supported to reach their full potential, creating new employment opportunities and greater economic diversity in the region.

“We will take a tailored approach to supporting Aboriginal businesses in the Goldfields while learning from the success of similar programs that have been implemented in other regions.”

As noted by Mining and Pastoral Region MLC Kyle McGinn:

“The McGowan Government is delivering once again on great programs and reforms for Aboriginal people in Western Australia.

“I commend the Minister who hasn’t stopped driving growth for Aboriginal business and leadership opportunities, continuing to go into bat for marginalised groups.

“The program will see capacity strengthened and Aboriginal business capability grown. We have so many great potential Aboriginal business leaders in the Goldfields and I am looking forward to seeing what comes out of this program.

“The GEDC will now support these leaders to develop their business as part of the training and mentoring framework.”

/Public Release. View in full here.