Aboriginal women are already leading the work of caring for Country. Now, a new NSW Government-backed program is helping turn that leadership into long-term businesses.
“The program recognises that women are already leading in environmental management, regeneration, community care and cultural education and it simply backs their leadership and creates pathways for long-term economic independence and impact,” says Currie Country Social Change CEO Arabella Douglas.
“It is also creating regional women leaders who are building opportunities for other women around them — strengthening local economies, skills and leadership across regional New South Wales.”
Currie Country Social Change
Currie Country Social Change is a matriarch-led First Nations organisation focused on environmental, cultural and economic justice through Country-led governance. The pilot program will support Aboriginal women to turn existing cultural knowledge and leadership into long-term economic independence, while helping protect Country and preserve cultural heritage for future generations.
The investment is part of the NSW Government’s broader support for women entrepreneurs and business owners, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, women in regional, rural and remote communities, women with disability, carers and women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
More information about NSW women’s grants and funding is available via Women NSW grants and funding. You can also learn more about Currie Country Social Change, the Supporting Women in Business Grants, and NSW’s Closing the Gap Priority Reforms.vision is at the heart of a new NSW Government-backed pilot program designed to help Aboriginal women on the North Coast establish micro-businesses grounded in cultural knowledge, environmental protection and caring for Country.
The Minns Labor Government is investing $148,276 in Currie Country Social Change’s Empowering Women for Country: Building Skills in Cultural and Heritage Protection pilot program, which will support Aboriginal women to develop the practical, professional and cultural skills needed to launch their own environmental management and cultural heritage enterprises.
The program will equip participants with training in leadership, business and communications, alongside certifications in cultural heritage, drone operation, first aid and 4WD safety. Participants will also receive ongoing mentoring, cultural connection and intergenerational knowledge transfer to help them confidently launch and sustain their businesses.
Douglas says the funding is helping build “a First Nations women-led ecosystem of environmental, cultural and community enterprises that support one another to grow, lead and respond to the long-term challenges of climate, community resilience and caring for Country.”
Minister for Women Jodie Harrison described the program as an “innovative, culturally grounded initiative” that draws on intergenerational Aboriginal knowledge while opening up new economic pathways for women.
“The NSW Government is proud to fund this initiative that will create real, sustainable employment for women and girls who face barriers to entering or re-entering the workforce,” Minister Harrison said.
“With skills in cultural heritage, environmental protection and disaster management in high demand across the state, the knowledge and leadership these women will bring to Country is invaluable and essential.”
Minister Harrison said the investment forms part of the NSW Government’s wider commitment to helping women start businesses, lead in their communities and build sustainable careers.
“The Minns Government is building a stronger future for women, by supporting their dreams to start their own businesses, or creating pathways for them to lead or embark on a new career,” she said.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said the program also supports the state’s commitment to Closing the Gap by backing Aboriginal-led business growth.
“The Minns Labor Government is committed to closing the gap by continuing to support culture and Aboriginal-led businesses across NSW,” Minister Harris said.
“NSW is unique in having a specific Closing the Gap Priority Reform — Reform Number 5 — focused on bolstering Aboriginal business growth and economic prosperity.
“Programs like this will help equip Aboriginal women with the tools they need to boost their local economies and preserve their culture now and into the future.”
Minister for Small Business and Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said supporting Aboriginal women to establish businesses in high-demand sectors such as environmental management was a “win-win” for the region.
“Through this pilot, Currie Country Social Change is building a strong, culturally grounded foundation for new enterprises to grow and thrive,” Minister Saffin said.
“We are proud to back these future business leaders as part of our broader commitment to boosting diverse participation in the NSW small business sector.”
Currie Country Social Change is a matriarch-led First Nations organisation focused on environmental, cultural and economic justice through Country-led governance. The pilot program will support Aboriginal women to turn existing cultural knowledge and leadership into long-term economic independence, while helping protect Country and preserve cultural heritage for future generations.
The investment is part of the NSW Government’s broader support for women entrepreneurs and business owners, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, women in regional, rural and remote communities, women with disability, carers and women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
More information about NSW women’s grants and funding is available via Women NSW grants and funding. You can also learn more about Currie Country Social Change, the Supporting Women in Business Grants, and NSW’s Closing the Gap Priority Reforms.
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