Non-profit organisation Ngarrimili will conduct the first walkthrough of its nearly-constructed First Nations enterprise and retail hub, Murran, this week.
Intended to help break down the barriers facing First Nations entrepreneurs and businesses, Murran’s primary purposes will be to provide business start-up support and development, education and training, employment and economic development opportunities.
Located on Malop Street in the heart of Geelong, the hub will include meeting and conference rooms, co-working areas, a retail store, gallery and exhibition space and a cafe.
Murran operations manager Samantha French said the first look on Thursday, August 24 was an opportunity for local businesses and organisations to see the hub as it neared completion.
“We’ll have a walk through the hub, then (Ngarrimili chief executive) Bek Lasky will chat about what we want the space to feel like, look like, and the use of it,” she said.
“She’ll talk us through a presentation, what the vision is for the Murran Hub and what we hope to achieve out of it when it’s opened up.”
Ms French said the hub was intended to be a place of connection.
“What we really want is to get the general community and the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community to come down and use the space as the regular go to for a coffee, see what’s new in the retail store and look at opportunities around support,” Ms French said.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses can hire co-working spaces, hold meetings and formal gatherings. There’s also an art gallery where we can showcase some of the black businesses that we’re supporting, artists and musicians.
“The idea is the space will be culturally safe, an opportunity for the general community to come into a learning space.”
While Thursday’s event is by invitation, Ms French said businesses or individuals interested in being involved with Murran and potentially attending the walkthrough could contact chief executive Bek Lasky on 0480 356 176.
