Right in the middle of Indigenous Business Month, we loved partnering with the German-Australian Chamber of Industry and Commerce for an ESG Circle, bringing together a number of Australian-based German businesses curious about how they can work with Aboriginal businesses.
Kimberley Keen from Kinaway, the Victorian Aboriginal Chamber of Commerce, shared some deep and powerful insights, reminding us that Aboriginal businesses should be engaged for the amazing work they do, not just because they’re Aboriginal. She also explained Kinaway’s Victorian certification system that ensures authenticity and trust when working with First Nations businesses.
One of Kimberley’s key messages was that we are falling well behind on Closing the Gap initiatives. She encouraged businesses to build relationships with Aboriginal suppliers early in their projects as this is critical to maximising the success of the opportunity and impact.
Our own Oliver Grimshaw unpacked the Victorian social procurement landscape and shared how the Social Procurement Framework (SPF) creates real opportunities for First Nations people to thrive.
We value our partnership with Kinaway and are keen to keep creating opportunities for knowledge sharing and action, because these conversations are where change starts.
A big shout out to Pawa Catering for the delicious Indigenous-inspired breakfast and to the incredible Koorie Heritage Trust for hosting us in such an inspiring space (and for the tour of two amazing exhibitions – highly recommend!).
Thank you to everyone who showed up, curious about building stronger, fairer communities. Reconciliation isn’t a moment, it’s a movement, and listening, learning and acting together gets us closer to the fair go everyone deserves 🖤💛❤️
