A new pilot program will give local Aboriginal businesses the opportunity to grow their presence in the local economy.
Yarpa, a partnership between the NSW Aboriginal Land Council and the Australian Government, will join forces with Campbelltown Council to run the program, which is called Deliver Better Outcomes.
The ultimate aim of the program is to increase the number of Aboriginal businesses providing goods and services to local government.
More than 7,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people live in the Campbelltown local government area.
“We’re proud to have been chosen by Yarpa to be their partner in the delivery of such an important initiative,’’ says Mayor Darcy Lound.
“The Deliver Better Outcomes program aligns with our commitment to support our Aboriginal community through actions that open doors of opportunity and address the challenges and inequality they experience,.
“I strongly encourage any local Aboriginal business who might be interested in getting involved in the initiative, or would like to learn more, to join the program.
“I look forward to the opportunity to connect with the businesses and discuss how we can better support them,’’ Mayor Lound said.
Councils provide significant opportunities for businesses, and this project will connect Aboriginal businesses with diverse procurement opportunities, ensuring a great outcome for the Campbelltown community, while contributing to growing our local economy.
This project will guide equitable access to local economic opportunities that will support and foster sustainable growth opportunities for local Aboriginal businesses.
Council’s role will be to ensure support and development opportunities in the form of training and education that will help foster growth and opportunities for Aboriginal businesses right here in Campbelltown.
“We are excited to have partnered with Campbelltown City Council to deliver such a significant project,’’ says Shannon Mallison, acting director of Yarpa Hub.
“We chose this Council as our partner because it was evident through our research that the Campbelltown LGA not only had a pipeline of opportunities and a significant number of high quality Aboriginal businesses, but also that the council had a genuine willingness to work with us to effect change and deliver outcomes.
“Yarpa’s sole purpose is to strengthen the First Nations business sector and contribute to economic prosperity through capability, connection and culture.
“We know that local government procurement presents a significant opportunity for Aboriginal businesses, and we also know that Aboriginal businesses want to participate in their local economies and want to contribute to projects that benefit their local communities.” Ms Mallison said.
“This project directly contributes to Yarpa’s purpose and to Campbelltown Council’s commitment to support their local Aboriginal community.
“I encourage all Aboriginal businesses in the Campbelltown LGA to jump on board and join our network.’’
