The Indigenous Business Luncheon was held of 13 October 2010 at the Chifley, Wollongong. The luncheon, which focussed on improving opportunities for Aboriginal employment in the Illawarra region, attracted 75 attendees from the business, community and government sectors.
Some of the outcomes or highlights included:
- Positive feedback on the quality and variety of speakers. Our speakers were able to give some amazing insights into employment outcomes for Aboriginal people from some very different perspectives. They spoke with passion and clarity, and clearly engaged the hearts and minds of their audience. We are grateful to all four speakers who donated their time and shared their experience.
- The luncheon provided an excellent opportunity for networking amongst individuals who may not have otherwise have had the chance to connect. Important contacts were made between service providers and some major local employers which will have direct employment outcomes for members of the local Aboriginal community.
- An effective working group came together to coordinate the project, and good working relationships were established. Since this event, other parties who are keen to promote Aboriginal employment have been in touch. It is hoped we will all be able to work together to build on the momentum from the luncheon, and bring some more exciting projects to the area.
- Formation of a coordinated strategy to target businesses who identified at the event that are genuinely interested in employing Aboriginal people very soon. The Education & Economic Development Cluster from the Illawarra Aboriginal Community Based Working Group has been consulted, and will receive reports of any activities and outcomes back to the Cluster meetings.
- Negotiations are underway between local Indigenous Employment Providers and Kiama Municipal Council. Council has identified possible opportunities for employment, and the Indigenous Employment Providers are assisting with the recruitment process.
We expect more outcomes to develop as a result of the Indigenous Business Luncheon, and anticipate employment outcomes for members of the local Aboriginal community. We will also be maintaining Indigenous employment as an ongoing project under our Social Inclusion priority.
