Major leap forward for evolving Aboriginal Business Expo

Image: Sacred Country Consulting Founder Gemma Lloyd (inset)

The Illawarra Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Business Expo continues to evolve, with Wollongong City Council handing over the running of the showcase to Sacred Country Consulting for the first time.

The third iteration of the event showcasing local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-owned and operated businesses will shift to the Novotel on 31 October this year, illustrating the growth it has enjoyed over its first two years.

A joint initiative of Wollongong City Council and Illawarra Indigenous Business Network (IIBN), last year’s event saw 35 local businesses from a wide array of industries - including design, photography, education, construction, maintenance, policy, research and arts – exhibit to more than 300 attendees at Wollongong Town Hall.

While Wollongong City Council will remain an event partner, Sacred Country Consulting will take the reins in a move that sees the event sit entirely in the hands of the Aboriginal business community.

Company founder Gemma Lloyd said it aligns with Sacred Country’s specialty in business development support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander entrepreneurs, start-ups and organisations to allow them to thrive.

“It is deeply significant that the management and delivery of the Expo now sits with a First Nations-owned business, ensuring it remains rooted in community priorities and cultural values,” she said.

“The Expo is absolutely critical for the growing First Nations economy in the Illawarra and surrounding regions. It provides a culturally safe platform for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses to showcase their products, services, and industry expertise.

“By having Aboriginal leadership at the helm, the Expo becomes more than a business event, it becomes an act of self-determination, capacity building, and community-led economic development. It’s not just an event, it’s an economic and cultural milestone that helps shape the regional business landscape in a more inclusive and self-determined way.”

While Sacred Country will take carriage of the event, Gemma said the ultimate aim is to handover the event to a young First Nations person with an interest in event management or business.

“We see this as a pipeline to support future leaders and create intergenerational opportunities for Mob to thrive in the events and business sectors,” she said.

The event allows Indigenous businesses to network and connect and provides information and opportunities for both government and non-government organisations looking to find out more about procuring from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Businesses.

These events can also provide valuable insights for organisations with a Reconciliation Action Plan looking to partner with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses providing a range of services and expertise.

Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said it was gratifying to see the event transition into the hands of Aboriginal-owned and operated business.

“The first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Business Expo was a huge success in 2023 and enjoyed tremendous growth again last year,” Councillor Brown said.

“This handover is the next essential step, and one that was envisioned when we partnered with the Illawarra Indigenous Business Network ahead of the very first Expo two years ago. The ultimate goal for the event has always been self-determination and we’re glad it is a step we can all take with the utmost confidence.

“It is a truly energising event, and I encourage anyone looking to broaden their professional network and to learn more about procuring from Aboriginal-owned and operated businesses to come along.”

Wollongong City Council general manager Greg Doyle said the event will continue to enjoy the full support of Council.

“We remain committed to building relationships with Aboriginal businesses and organisations and we’re extremely proud to have seen the development of the Expo over its first two years,” Mr Doyle said.

“It’s important we continue to strengthen these bonds through the delivery of our Reconciliation Action Plan, but also to provide opportunities for the broader community to develop these valuable business and community networks.

“I commend the passionate Council staff who have collaborated with our many great Aboriginal businesses and organisations to bring the Expo to life, and we look forward to seeing its continued growth in the years to come.”