Expanding the idea of role models
When communities have time, resources, and spaces to brainstorm ideas, creativity blossoms, and collaboration flourishes. That’s exactly what occurred at Impact North’s First Nations Women Social Enterprise Forum in Nhulunbuy and Yirrkala. In celebration of October Business Month and Indigenous Business Month, Impact North headed to East Arnhem Land to host the forum, bringing together women at all stages of their business journey to discuss the challenges, mindset and opportunities.
The event was facilitated by seven successful Indigenous women in business from around the NT and across Australia:
● Liandra Gaykamangu, ELP & Liandra Swim
● Sarah Hyland, Founder, Together Business Australia
● Sylvia Nulpinditj, Cultural Facilitator and Entrepreneur
● Selena Stewart, Community Benefit Bureau, Relationship Manager NT
● Alinta McGuire, Indigenous Business Manager, Westpac
● Michelle On, Founder, Kiril Park Wild Harvest
● Kylie-Lee Bradford, Founder, Kakadu Tiny Tots
The event opened with a welcome dinner and an exclusive screening of Märrma Wänga, a documentary showcasing Australian Photographer Simon Upton on his journey into the remote Indigenous community of Milingimbi in East Arnhem Land. The documentary featured our Executive Director Liandra Gaykamangu and her niece Tarlisa Gaykamangu’s rise in the modelling industry walking in a Bottega Veneta runway show in Milan, Italy.
On reflection Liandra expressed how showcasing the documentary set the scene for the forum, sharing the message that a dream, coupled with a supportive ecosystem to nurture talent, is key to turning aspirations into reality.
“I can’t solve and fix everything but I can invest in individuals and provide professional development opportunities so people can build confidence to step into leadership positions,” Liandra says.
“For a lot of remote First Nations communities, you can’t be what you can’t see. By bringing these successful Indigenous women together, who are at different stages in their own business journey’s, we were able to show the attendees that no matter what your initial understanding of business is, or where you are based, you too can thrive in the mainstream business world without having to leave your home.”
“Being a role model is a biproduct of acting and investing in your vision for a better future.” Liandra is currently an Executive Director at ELP, after stepping out of the co-CEO with Alexie Seller and moving full-time into her business. This is something Liandra is incredibly proud of as she continues to support remote Indigenous women to step into their power and make turn their dreams into a reality.
Impact North are very intentional in their approach to events, creating spaces where speakers and attendees are equal, and in-depth conversations are encouraged, which is quite different compared to a standard conference where speakers are put on a stage and follow up points are limited.
This saw a diverse group of Indigenous business leaders come together with the structure of day one commencing with a panel discussion. Hosted by Lateesha Jeffrey, from Wave of Change Consultancy, and with panellists Liandra, Michelle, Sarah and Kylie the conversation focused on their individual journeys and offered insights into growing successful businesses whilst juggling family life and cultural responsibilities.
Following the panel discussion we moved into smaller groups that saw our Indigenous business leaders hold workshops on a range of topics that included; Finance, Business 101, Marketing and Branding and an insightful Bush Foods Workshop led by Michelle On.
The First Nations Women Social Enterprise Forum not only celebrated the achievements of Indigenous women in business but also served as a powerful platform to inspire and empower others. The stories shared, teamed with the intimate and collaborative atmosphere, reinforced the belief that with determination and support, dreams can indeed become a reality in the vibrant landscape of Indigenous entrepreneurship in Australia.
