Region’s Indigenous business collaborations recognised

By KATE AUTY THE Committee for Greater Shepparton (C4GS) acknowledged Indigenous Business Month last week by holding a panel discussion about the mutual benefits generated by Indigenous and non-Indigenous partnerships in the region. A packed house at Belcibo and Co in Fryers Street heard from a panel of Indigenous business innovators. The panel included Peter Matera of CVGT employment, Liz Allen of Liz Allen Consultancy, Kane Atkinson the managing Director of Atkinson Electrical, and Jebb Hutchinson, Wiradjuri businessman and managing director of TVN On Country and founder of not-for-profit organization Indigenous Youth On Country. Peter Matera spoke about CVGT as an agency where multiple cultures meet, forge productive relationships, and build capacity in the workforce and more broadly. Kane Atkinson reflected on the attainment of his A grade electrician ticket and on building a business where he employs four Yorta Yorta men. Kane has just launched a new venture in renewable energy. Amongst many other successful builds Jebb Hutchinson’s company has recently finished the construction of the Munarra Centre of Excellence in Shepparton. Jebb described this build as his "proudest achievement". Liz Allen focused on education and training, talked about growth in the range of Indigenous business activities, and provided insights into supplier networks and social procurement opportunities. The event was capped off with observations from Dave McKenzie who, with Yorta Yorta elder Paul Briggs AO, co-chairs the Goulburn Murray Regional Prosperity Plan (GMRPP). This plan provides a roadmap for mutually beneficial enterprise and employment outcomes for Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses and organisations. Strathbogie Shire Council, Moira Shire Council, GOTAFE, La Trobe and Melbourne universities, C4GS, GVWater and GMWater (to name a few) are all champions of the GMRPP. Liz Allen described the GMRPP as both "unique" and the "glue" that brings innovation and community together in the region.