Victorian Aboriginal Economic Board E-Newsletter, March 2018Premier Daniel Andrews, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Natalie Hutchins and Board Members at the final Procurement Event in October 2017 Message from the Co-Chairs of the Victorian Aboriginal Economic Board Welcome to the Victorian Aboriginal Economic Board’s first e-newsletter. This quarterly newsletter will share the latest news and key activities of the Board and other initiatives in this space. Established in 2016, the Board’s vision is to advance Aboriginal Victorians to a bright and prosperous future through economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, connection, culture and commerce. Consistent with the commitment to Aboriginal self-determination, the Board brings together business and Aboriginal leaders to advise the Victorian Government and create greater economic opportunities for Aboriginal Victorians, consistent with the Victorian Aboriginal Economic Strategy 2013-2020. Last year was a big year for the Board with many highlights and milestones to share: + Engagement in regional Victoria, visiting Geelong, Mildura and Shepparton. + Investment in important research from PricewaterhouseCoopers Indigenous Consulting on Aboriginal procurement in the private sector, and innovation and dreaming labs. + Signing up 12 local organisations to Geelong Aboriginal Employment Agreements. + Hosting the procurement event series in September and October 2017. + Funding two Aboriginal Economic Development Brokers. If you’re interested in learning more about the Board, visit our website. Ms Karen Milward Co-Chair, Victorian Aboriginal Economic Board Chair of Kinaway, the Victorian Aboriginal Chamber of Commerce Mr Mark Stone AM Co-Chair, Victorian Aboriginal Economic Board Chief Executive of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
2017 Board Highlights Geelong Employer Seminar and Geelong Aboriginal Employment Agreement The Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Natalie Hutchins attended and announced a suite of major economic initiatives to support Aboriginal Victorians, including, Tharamba Bugheen: Victorian Aboriginal Business Strategy 2017-2021, which includes a one per cent government procurement target from Aboriginal businesses. The Geelong Aboriginal Employment Agreement was launched and twelve local organisations have now signed an Agreement to support career pathways for Aboriginal Victorians. Procurement Event Series The Board hosted a series of three Aboriginal procurement events to understand barriers faced by Aboriginal businesses. Aboriginal business owners and representatives from Victorian corporate businesses shared practical strategies that government and the private sector can adopt to unlock opportunities for Victorian Aboriginal businesses. Read more here. Recruitment of Aboriginal Economic Development Brokers The Board is delighted to announce the appointment of two Aboriginal Economic Development Brokers. The Brokers will supoort the Board's commitmnet to place-based engagement across Victoria, working closely with industry and the local Aborginial communities to advance economic development opportunities. Tim McCartney (on right with Rod Jackson, Board Member) Tim has extensive knowledge and experience across multiple industries.Tim has been a self-employed sole trader in the finance industry specialising in Residential Mortgages and Commercial Lending and more recently worked in the automotive finance industry. This is not Tim's first time in Government having previously worked with the Department of Justice from 2008-2014 in the Koori Courts and Koori programs and initiatives areas. Tim has been involved with Kirrip Aboriginal Corporation in Melton, where he resides with his wife and 3 children. Tim is a descendant of the Wotjobaluk people. Liz Allen (on right with Jeni Coutts, Board Member) Liz is an Aboriginal woman, descendent of Wurundjeri / Dja Dja Wurrung. Liz is highly regarded for her networking, energy, passion and strong background in Aboriginal employment and training. Liz has most recently worked at the Level Crossing Removal Authority as the Aboriginal Employment Skills Advisor, focusing on Aboriginal employment and economic development outcomes across Major Transport Infrastructure Projects in Victoria. Members of the Board: Professor Kerry Arabena Mr John Chambers Mr Jeremy Clark Ms Jeni Coutts Ms Alicia Gleeson Mr Rod Jackson Ms Seona James Ms Shannon Ryan Mr Steven Shaw Mr Roger Teale Mr Garry Terrill Other ways to keep up to date with relevant initiatives, events and opportunities in Victorian Aboriginal economic development: Tharamba Bugheen, Aboriginal Business Victoria Facebook Aboriginal Victoria Facebook and Twitter Barring Djinang Aboriginal Employment Strategy Victorian Aboriginal Affairs Framework 2013-2018 Victorian Government Aboriginal Affairs Report 2017 Victorian Aboriginal Economic Strategy 2013-2020 |