These events contribute to better economic development opportunities for Aboriginal workers and businesses across NSW and are part of the Government's effort for 'closing the gap'.
From May to August, seven 'Gather and Grow' sessions will be hosted in regional and metro NSW to help link local Aboriginal businesses with procurement information and support to get involved in significant NSW Government projects, developments and supply chains.
The first session, which will focus on the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone project, will be held at Dubbo's Taronga Western Plains Zoo on 2 May from 9am until midday.
Subsequent events will focus on further opportunities in Goulburn, Shellharbour, Cessnock and Bathurst, as well as Sydney and Western Sydney.
The free events bring together contractors, Government buyers, support services, local government and employment providers with Aboriginal businesses to help make connections, share information and support the NSW Government's Aboriginal Procurement Policy (APP).
The NSW Government's Regional Aboriginal Partnerships and Outcomes is delivering five Gather and Grow events across regional NSW, with NSW Treasury leading two Sydney-based sessions in partnership with Department of Customer Service and Transport for NSW in 2025.
These events aim to help strengthen culture and identity by empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within NSW to access education, training, employment and business support to reach their aspirations as part of the NSW Closing the Gap Priority Reform 5.
This year's Gather and Grow events will be held in Dubbo, Goulburn, Shellharbour, Sydney, Cessnock, Bathurst, and Western Sydney. Interested guests need to register at Aboriginal businesses Gather and Grow events | info.buy.nsw.
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:
"These Gather and Grow sessions are all about fostering the growth of Aboriginal businesses.
"The events unite NSW Government buyers with Aboriginal businesses, support services, and prospective job seekers to make connections and share information about work and procurement opportunities on large-scale projects.
"Representatives from major projects come and present about the opportunities for Aboriginal businesses and First Nations job seekers.
"These sessions will give interested parties the chance to learn about what's involved, what they will need to know and what steps to take to put their best foot forward to work on these opportunities."
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:
"We know that Aboriginal businesses want to grow and expand into new markets, and the NSW Government is keen to support these businesses on this journey.
"The Gather and Grow events will allow Aboriginal businesses to connect, share information, make connections and learn what opportunities are available.
"These events assist with our commitment to Closing the gap as NSW is the only state or territory in Australia to have an additional Closing the Gap priority reform to uplift and support the growth of Aboriginal employment, business and economic prosperity."
NSW Treasury Associate Director Procurement Policy, Jeff Nelson said:
"The Gather and Grow series is designed to help Aboriginal businesses build relationships, share knowledge, and tap into government procurement pathways.
"By holding seven events in different regions, we're aiming to connect with a wide network of businesses and ensure broad access to these opportunities.
"This initiative is all about supporting the growth of Aboriginal businesses- and we welcome everyone who's interested in being part of that journey."
