A native bush brewery, barber, clothing labels and artists are among a wide variety of First Nations businesses set to showcase their creativity at the iconic 2025 Aboriginal Affairs NSW Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout this October Labour long weekend in Tamworth.
The Minns Labor Government's initiative to have an Aboriginal Business Precinct at the country's largest Indigenous sporting event is running for its second year due to the success of last year.
Backed by the Minns Government's regional economic development team, the Business Precinct will be delivered by Knockout host Walgett Aboriginal Connection, giving participating businesses the opportunity to promote their products and services to a crowd of thousands.
By removing cost barriers, the Business Precinct gives small and medium First Nations businesses the chance to focus on their products, connect with customers and grow their networks.
The four-day Knockout event will be held at Riverside Sporting Complex in Tamworth from 3 to 6 October, celebrating both the sporting talent of 170 First Nations rugby league teams and the entrepreneurial strength within First Nations communities.
The Knockout is a highlight on the First Nations calendar and is expected to attract up to 30,000 attendees, boost the local Tamworth economy and offer greater exposure and income for businesses featured in the Precinct.
Between matches, players and spectators can explore the Precinct where Aboriginal businesses from across NSW, including Tamworth, Dubbo, Gunnedah, Thornton and Port Kembla, will offer a range of products and services spanning clothing, art, jewellery and beverages.
The event also coincides with Indigenous Business Month, celebrated each October to recognise the diversity and excellence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses.
This year's theme, Strength through Collaboration, highlights the role partnerships play in the success of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses. It reflects importance of coming together to share knowledge, support one another and succeed as a community.
For more information, go to Aboriginal Economic Development | NSW Government
Minister for Regional and Western NSW, Tara Moriarty said:
"Aboriginal entrepreneurs contribute so much to regional economies and cultural life, whether it's creating goods, generating jobs, developing skills or delivering services that strengthen community and culture.
"Last year's Aboriginal Business Precinct was an incredible success, giving participating businesses the exposure and confidence to grow, while offering Knockout crowds something unique to experience or take home between matches.
"This year, the Business Precinct will build on that success, continuing to create opportunities for First Nations businesses to showcase their products and services, connect with new customers and strengthen their networks, without the overhead costs."
Acting Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, Jodie Harrison said:
"The Koori Knockout is not just about rugby league it is about celebrating community, culture and connection.
"By having the Aboriginal Business Precinct return for the second year, Aboriginal businesses can gain exposure and promote their services in front of thousands that make the journey to the Knockout.
"NSW is unique in having a specific Closing the Gap priority reform - Reform 5 - that specifically focuses on Aboriginal economic prosperity, jobs and nurturing business, and the precinct is a perfect great example of it in action"
Case study: Makayla Gardener, Rack It Clothing
Proud Aboriginal business owner, Makayla Gardener set out to create something bold, authentic and deeply connected to culture, and that vision became Rack It Clothing.
Rack It Clothing is a lifestyle and streetwear brand made for hunters, lifters and go-getters. The brand creates premium-quality apparel and accessories that combine style, comfort and durability.
From hoodies and tees to fishing shirts, football shorts, caps and lifestyle gear, every piece is built to move with its wearer, in the gym, outdoors or just day-to-day.
Culture sits at the heart of the business, shaping designs that represent strength, resilience and connection, values deeply rooted in First Nations identity. Each product reflects hard work, determination and respect for community and Country.
For Makayla, the Knockout is much more than a sporting event. It's a celebration of culture, identity and unity - a time when communities come together, families reconnect and pride is shared. Being part of the Knockout gives her the chance to showcase Rack It Clothing, connect with mob and give back to the community that inspires her every day.
This year's Indigenous Business Month theme, Strength through Collaboration, resonates strongly with Rack It Clothing. To Makayla, success isn't achieved alone, it comes from supporting each other, sharing knowledge and creating opportunities together. When one business succeeds, the whole community succeeds.
Quotes attributable to Makayla Gardener, Rack It Clothing:
"As a proud Aboriginal business, our culture is at the heart of everything we do. It inspires us to design apparel that represents strength, resilience, and connection - qualities deeply rooted in who we are as First Nations people.
"For Rack It Clothing, being part of the Knockout is an opportunity to showcase our brand, connect with mob and give back to the community that inspires us every day.
"It's an honour and privilege to stand alongside other Aboriginal-owned businesses in the Precinct. It represents growth, opportunity and representation, proving that we can create, succeed and thrive while staying connected to our roots.
"For Rack It Clothing, it's also about sharing our story and encouraging others to chase their dreams and turn their visions into reality.
"For us, Strength through Collaboration reflects what community has always been about. Success isn't achieved alone, it's built by supporting each other, sharing knowledge and creating opportunities together. At Rack It Clothing, we believe collaboration strengthens not just our business, but our entire community."
Case Study: Kayleb Waters-Sampson, Ngurrambaa
Kayleb is a proud Aboriginal business owner and founder of Ngurrambaa, a business dedicated to the continuation of Culture.
Through Ngurrambaa, Kayleb delivers a wide range of products and services, from cultural workshops and community facilitation to dance, traditional and digital art, large-scale murals, clothing and apparel.
Family, country, culture and art inspired Kayleb to start his business and they remain the foundation of everything he creates.
For Kayleb, the Knockout is more than a sporting event. Having been involved in Knockouts for most of his life, he says being able to now see his art represented alongside such incredible talent and community spirit is an honour. With this year's event in Tamworth, he also sees it as a chance to showcase just how strong his community is, culturally and creatively.
For him, being part of the Aboriginal Business Precinct is an opportunity to grow his business, connect with more people and showcase Culture in new ways.
The Indigenous Business Month theme, Strength through Collaboration, reflects his belief in the importance of unity and supporting one another to achieve success.
Quotes attributable toKayleb Waters-Sampson, Ngurrambaa:
"Ngurrambaa is a 100% Aboriginal owned business that specialised in the continuation of Culture through workshops, art, dance, weapons, clothing and apparel.
"Having been involved in Knockouts most of my life, to now having my art represented alongside amazing talent and people is an incredible feeling. With the Knockout being held in Tamworth this year, it's a great opportunity to showcase how culturally strong our community is.
"Being part of the Aboriginal Business Precinct is an unbelievable opportunity. I'm so appreciative for the chance to showcase my business and talent to more people and it's something I'll make the most of.
"Strength through collaboration is something I believe a lot of people don't understand, just how much stronger we are together. The power of coming together and working towards success is something that only works through unity."
