A local program is empowering Aboriginal women to establish businesses and lead environmental and cultural heritage protection on Country on New South Wales' North Coast.
Currie Country Social Change's 'Empowering Women for Country: Building Skills in Cultural and Heritage Protection' pilot program is equipping 16 Aboriginal women with skills in leadership, and business and communications, as well as gain certifications in cultural heritage, drone operation, first aid and 4WD safety.
Through the program, the women will receive wraparound support such as ongoing mentoring, cultural connection and intergenerational knowledge transfer to help them confidently launch and sustain their businesses.
They will also receive training and guidance to establish micro-businesses delivering environmental management and cultural heritage services grounded in Aboriginal knowledge.
The program is being supported by a more than $148,000 investment from the NSW Government.
Currie Country Social Change CEO Arabella Douglas said the state government's funding is "helping build a First Nations women-led ecosystem of environmental, cultural and community enterprises that support one another to grow, lead and respond to the long-term challenges of climate, community resilience and caring for Country".
"The program recognises that women are already leading in environmental management, regeneration, community care and cultural education, and it simply backs their leadership and creates pathways for long-term economic independence and impact," she said.
"It is also creating regional women leaders who are building opportunities for other women around them; strengthening local economies, skills and leadership across regional New South Wales."
The program's objective is to create culturally grounded businesses which protect Country, preserve cultural heritage, and build long-term community resilience through expanding employment opportunities for women.
NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, David Harris, said the government is committed to closing the gap by continuing to support culture and Aboriginal led businesses across the state.
"NSW is unique in having a specific Closing the Gap Priority Reform - reform number 5 - focused on bolstering Aboriginal business growth and economic prosperity," Mr Harris said.
"Programs like this will help equip Aboriginal women with the tools they need to boost their local economies and preserve their culture now and into the future."
The NSW Government said it is supporting women entrepreneurs and business owners, especially those from priority cohorts such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, women living in regional, rural and remote areas, women with disability, carers and women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
NSW Minister for Women, Jodie Harrison, said Currie Country Social Change's pilot "is an innovative, culturally grounded initiative that draws on intergenerational Aboriginal knowledge to equip women with additional skills to protect Country and cultural heritage".
"The NSW Government is proud to fund this initiative that will create real, sustainable employment for women and girls who face barriers to entering or re-entering the workforce," Ms Harrison said.
"With skills in cultural heritage, environmental protection and disaster management in high demand across the state, the knowledge and leadership these women will bring to Country is invaluable and essential.
The pilot is part of the state government's wider support of women's participation and advancement which includes Supporting Women in Business grants, Investing in Women grants and the Women-Owned Enterprises Australia Supplier Network.
NSW Minister for Small Business and Minister for the North Coast, Janelle Saffin, said empowering Aboriginal women to launch micro-businesses in high-demand sectors such as environmental management is a win-win for the North Coast.
"Through this pilot, Currie Country Social Change is building a strong, culturally grounded foundation for new enterprises to grow and thrive," Ms Saffin said.
"We are proud to back these future business leaders as part of our broader commitment to boosting diverse participation in the NSW small business sector."
