Representatives from the Aboriginal business and cultural tourism sectors came together at the Murrook Culture Centre on Worimi Country, Port Stephens yesterday for the eighth NSW Aboriginal Business Roundtable.
The NSW Government event, hosted by Aboriginal Affairs NSW and Destination NSW, supported business owners and operators, and those looking to get started, under the theme 'Walking together to create cultural tourism experiences'.
The Minns Labor Government is committed to supporting and empowering Aboriginal businesses, which in turn help Aboriginal and broader communities to thrive.
NSW is unique in having a Closing the Gap priority reform - Reform 5 - that specifically focuses on Aboriginal economic prosperity, jobs and nurturing business.
The Roundtable gave participants the opportunity to network with other business owners, connect with commercial suppliers and government representatives.
The event focussed on four key themes: creating new pathways, boosting Aboriginal cultural tourism in NSW, outlining the benefits of collaboration between businesses, and empowering regional Aboriginal businesses.
Yuin-Ngarrug man Dwayne Bannon-Harrison, Chair of the NSW Aboriginal Tourism Operators Council, delivered the keynote address.
The event also included a panel discussion involving Phil Lockyer, Head of Indigenous Affairs, Tourism Australia; Andrew Smith, CEO of Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council and Sand Dune Adventures and Sharon Winsor, the Founder of Indigiearth and member of the Aboriginal Business Taskforce.
Tourism Research Australia data confirms NSW is the number one destination in the nation for Aboriginal tourism. Almost 800,000 overnight visitors, more than half of them from overseas (497,100), participated in an Aboriginal tourism experience in NSW during 2024.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:
"The Aboriginal Business Roundtable was a great opportunity for Aboriginal business owners to get together and yarn about the strengths, challenges and future of the cultural tourism industry.
"When the Aboriginal business sector is strong, it delivers prosperity and better outcomes to help Close the Gap for Aboriginal people with benefits that ripple out to the broader community.
"The NSW Government will take the learnings from the event to optimise continued support for the growth and success of the sector."
Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said:
"Worimi Local Aboriginal Council has done so well to create such a successful business, employing and empowering local Aboriginal people whilst also attracting many visitors to Port Stephens.
"The roundtable was an important opportunity to share experiences and shine a light on the strengths of local Aboriginal cultural tourism businesses in Port Stephens and beyond."
CEO of Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council (operator of Sand Dune Adventures) Andrew Smith said:
"It was great to welcome Aboriginal business owners to the Murrook Culture Centre for the roundtable discussions and discuss some of the success we've achieved with Sand Dune Adventures.
"As an Aboriginal owned and operated business, we know the importance of tourism and how, with a good business and marketing plan, including a good product, this can provide many benefits including training, employment and economic opportunities for Aboriginal people."
