Agenda

Thomas Holden, CEO, Nirrwarra Global

• Call to attention the massive First Nations infrastructure gap holding back development for First Nations across the country

• Discuss sustainable growth of indigenous business emphasising consistency and persistency in advocating for closing the gap targets particularly employment and skills development for future generations

• Exploring the practical journey to activating sustainable, self-determined revenue streams and community wealth

Hans Bokelund, Associate Deputy Secretary, Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions

• The role of strategic partnerships in Indigenous economic development

• Case studies of successful collaborations with strategies for ensuring partnerships are based on genuine engagement and mutual benefit.

• Challenges faced and lessons learned

• Strategies for scaling and sustaining partnerships through policy frameworks and government support mechanisms

Richard Hurst, Business Development Manager, Indigenous Energy Procurement

Kelly Williams, Head of Indigenous & Diversity, ABC

Adam Robinson, A/Director First Peoples, Australian Catholic University

Marc Harbrow, Founder, Harbrow Mentoring

• $500 million, 10-plus year future fund and $155 million Community Ready Fund.

• Immediate support for community-led projects and capacity building and examples of successful initiatives funded through this program.

• Identifying sectors with high growth potential in Northern Australia and ensuring that partnerships respect cultural values and promote mutual benefits.

Naomi Anstess, CEO, NT Indigenous Business Network

• Leveraging local strengths: health, tourism, construction services

• Collaboration between Indigenous organizations and mainstream employers

• The importance of culturally safe workplaces and long-term engagement

Madonna Tomes, Workforce Manager, RASAC

Rod Reeve, Managing Director, Ninti One Ltd.

Jesse Green, Managing Director, Gambir Workforce

Gunditjmara Country - Budj Bim Cultural Landscape Tours

Ngarda-Ngarli Country - Murujuga National Park

• The importance of authenticity, the necessity of educating tourists and industry stakeholders about cultural protocols.

• Highlight the significance of investing in tourism infrastructure that respects and showcases Indigenous heritage.

• The development and implementation of the Queensland First Nations Tourism Plan.

Joey Saunders, General Manager, Budj Bim Cultural Landscape Tours

Clinton Walker, CEO and Founder, Ngurrangga Tours

Rhonda Appo, Indigenous Program Manager, QLD Tourism Industry Council

• Discuss lack of Indigenous control over data can result in misrepresentation and misuse of Indigenous information.

• Frameworks Guiding Ethical Data Practices

• Capacity building within Indigenous communities to engage with and manage data effectively.

Adam Heterick, Bioinformatics Officer at Black Ochre Data Labs, The Kids Research Institute Australia

• Methods to unlock long-term economic participation, reduce systemic risk, and build future-ready business.

• What innovative models (e.g., I-REIT) can support financial inclusion and intergenerational financial resilience in Indigenous communities?

• Making full use of superannuation and continuing to advocate for culturally appropriate financial education.

Adam Davids, CEO, Career Trackers

Kyle Leong, Senior Manager RBS Indigenous Engagement, Commonwealth Bank

Gordon Cole, Chair, Noongar Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Bradley Gimbert, Founder & Managing Director, Indigenous Wealth

• Identify the time-bound windows of opportunity in rapidly developing sectors carbon, renewables, water, fisheries, and environmental markets

• Unpack how grant programs, land acquisitions, skills & resources etc. are equipping Indigenous entities to lead projects on their own terms.

Thomas Holden, CEO, Nirrwara Global

• Mentorship in culture, wellbeing, life skills, education, employment, and leadership.

• Personal journeys and Leadership for future generations & how to identify and seize emerging market trends

Hayden Heta, Managing Director, Wamarra

Kedeisha Kartinyeri, Director, KML Business Solutions

Alexander Wolf, Chief Operating Officer, National Indigenous Times

Adam Williams, CEO, Bunji Enterprises

• Economic empowerment and financial inclusion as key drivers of Indigenous self -determination.

• Commitment to capacity building and equal access to capital, markets, and technical knowledge

• Why global and national partnerships that recognise and scale Indigenous-owned solutions are a necessary foundation for self-determined development

• How supermarkets integrate inclusion and diversity as fundamental elements of their operations, contributing to their success as global organisations.

• Insights into successful collaborations between supermarkets and Indigenous organisations that have led to increased employment opportunities.

• Discussion on the necessary resources, such as training programs and funding, to support and scale Indigenous employment initiatives effectively.

Sara Stuart, Head of Indigenous Affairs, Coles

Cheryl-Anne Boyer, First Nations Affairs Lead, Wesfarmers

Adam Williams, CEO, Bunji Enterprises

• Bushfood as both a product and a vessel of culture developing cultural leadership and recognition through international trade.

• Highlight successful models of Indigenous-led branding/export that protect cultural IP.

• Examine the impact of the recent Federal Election on workforce development policies and what it means for our industry.

• Innovative programs and partnerships that successfully expand opportunities for Indigenous Australians, showcasing real-world examples of inclusive workforce development

• What is being done to build up the apprenticeship and traineeship landscape to have tangible impact for individuals, businesses, and industries

Leanne Bell, Executive Director - Education & Training, TAFE Queensland North Region

Craig Westwood, Executive Officer, Apprentice Employment Network QLD & NT

• How can we break down barriers and create more inclusive pathways into skilled careers?

• Sharing the future direction and priorities for Jobs and Skills Australia, including new initiatives designed to ensure the VET and higher education systems are responsive to the aspirations of First Nations peoples and the needs of the future economy.

• Showcasing how JSA is using new tools, including the National Jobs and Skills Data Asset, to build the most comprehensive picture to date of the VET, higher education, and workforce pathways for First Nations Australians.

Trevor Gauld, Deputy Commissioner, Jobs and Skills Australia

• Sharing the evolution of Bracks Indigenous Clothing from a home-based business to a nationally recognized company, highlighting the key milestones and challenges of navigating the fashion industry as an Indigenous entrepreneur.

• Discuss how Bracks Indigenous Clothing celebrates and preserves Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and South Sea Islander cultures through unique designs, creating economic opportunities and fostering pride within the community.

Bianca Brackenridge, Director and Designer, Bracks Indigenous Clothing

• Addressing the personal and professional barriers for First Nations staff reaching leadership positions across sectors

• Providing strength-based and culturally safe leadership training and capacity-building strategies

• Identifying where sectors share challenges in First Nations career progression and where they can learn from each other

Rachelle Towart, Managing Director, Pipeline Talent

Carol Vale, Chief Executive Officer, Murawin

Marcella Ketchell Principal Project Officer, Department of Regional Development Manufacturing and Water