Entrepreneurship-focused organisation Ngarrimili has received $850K in funding to establish a cultural hub at Westfield Geelong.
Aboriginal startups in Victoria have received a $1.4 million in funding to assist in harnessing the creativity of indigenous entrepreneurs across the nation.
Within the announcement, the Labor Government is providing $850,000 to help establish the first-ever cultural hub for Aboriginal entrepreneurs, which will be established by the Geelong-based organisation Ngarrimili.
Ngarrimili provides programs and support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander established and aspiring businesses across Victoria. Since its establishment, the aboriginal led organisation has supported over 1000 First Nations businesses and creatives with tailored one on one support and workshops, providing this support through a network of over 40 First Nations advisors and mentors.
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To help launch a new generation of business owners, Ngarrimili will establish the cultural hub at Westfield Geelong for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The cultural hub will take the form of a retail shop front and feature a café for training and employment opportunities, while also serving as a co-working space for Aboriginal people grow their businesses and seek employment assistance.
The retail store will also sell and showcase local First Nations businesses and their products, from clothing to skincare.
The new cultural hub is made possible through a partnership with local First Nations Women in Business Leaders alongside Tim Birnie Design Studio including Marsha Uppill, Corrina Eccles, Kirra Skrobalak, and Bek Lasky, all who will continue to guide the space.
This is the start of many hubs Ngarrimili is looking at in partnership with Local Community Women in Business across the Country.
The funding was announced on Wadawurrung Country last week with Minister for Employment Jaala Pulford and Member for Geelong Christine Couzens.
“Aboriginal community control is vital to improving employment outcomes and I’m proud the Government is doing that here in Geelong through this type of self-determination focused engagement,” says Member for Geelong Christine Couzens MP.
Alongside the funding for the cultural hub, Minister Pulford also announced the Geelong Aboriginal Employment Taskforce will receive $400,000 to create employment and upskilling opportunities. The Taskforce brings together local Aboriginal community representatives, employers, groups and businesses to reduce barriers facing Aboriginal people looking for work and drive better employment outcomes.
“This initiative will ensure Aboriginal Victorians are supported with the services they need to realise their potential and career goals, and we are proud to support it,” says Minister for Employment Jayla Pulford,
“Both the Ngarrimili hub and the work of the Geelong Aboriginal Employment Taskforce will be a launchpad for the next generation of Aboriginal people living in the Geelong region.”
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You can read the announcement here and stay up to date with the latest from Ngarrimili here.
