Ash Bolt
A first of its kind business and retail hub for Aboriginal entrepreneurs will be established in Geelong in partnership with the Andrews Labor Government.
Employment Minister Jaala Pulford joined Geelong MP Christine Couzens last week to visit Ngarrimili, a Geelong-based organisation supporting First Nations businesses, artists and creatives.
The state government is providing $850,000 to Ngarrimili to establish a cultural hub at Westfield for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The cultural hub will be a retail shop front and feature a café for training and employment opportunities, while also serving as a co-working space for Aboriginal people grow their businesses and seek employment assistance.
The retail store will also showcase local First Nations businesses and their products, from clothing to skin care.
Ms Pulford also announced the Geelong Aboriginal Employment Taskforce would receive $400,000 to create employment and upskilling opportunities.
The Taskforce brings together local Aboriginal community representatives, employers, groups and businesses to reduce barriers facing Aboriginal people looking for work and drive better employment outcomes.
“This initiative will ensure Aboriginal Victorians are supported with the services they need to realise their potential and career goals, and we are proud to support it,” Ms Pulford said.
“Both the Ngarrimili hub and the work of the Geelong Aboriginal Employment Taskforce will be a launch pad for the next generation of Aboriginal people living in the Geelong region.”
Ms Couzens said the $1.25 million investment in Aboriginal employment support in Geelong was part of the government’s self-determination approach to improving prosperity for Aboriginal communities.
“Aboriginal community control is vital to improving employment outcomes and I’m proud the government is doing that here in Geelong through this type of self-determination focused engagement,” she said.
