Changing the conversation | Tennant Creek Social Enterprise Showcase

The Impact North team recently headed down to Tennant Creek to host a showcase that inspired and motivated the community to embrace social enterprise and think differently about business. 

During and after the event, we spoke with attendees, who overwhelmingly told us that it was so refreshing to have different conversations than those they’re familiar with.

In many communities in remote Australia, typical community meetings are driven by addressing failures, discussing what’s gone wrong and trying to understand why the government won’t help. We know that there are a lot of challenges that can’t be ignored, but we chose to use this moment to showcase an alternative path, for attendees to be inspired to take control of their own futures, control how they spend money and do business. 

Flipping the conversation like this can be incredibly valuable and transformative. 

Visible role models in social enterprise – learning from our speakers 

We were joined on the day by a great selection of panellists. In particular, Natasha Short from Kimberley Jiyigas showed us the power of visible, relatable role models. She was able to connect with the Aboriginal women in the audience, in a way that no one else could. She inspired people to walk away motivated and confident to start their business and pave their own way.

The ‘fear’ roadblock is an obstacle big enough that many people never overcome it, and this became something that all of our speakers reflected on. Our own MC for the event, Tennant Creek local, Ryan O’Donoghue, noted that fear nearly held him back from taking the role – his first ever as MC – but he pushed through it and showed how stepping out of your comfort zone can yield fantastic results for you and those around you. 

Each of our panellists brought incredible insights, utilising authentic, personal storytelling to share how it really feels to run your own business. None of them ever shied away from talking about the challenges – the loneliness, the ups and downs – but sharing the importance of doing something that you really love, that really matters, so you don’t run out of steam. 

The women on our panels are seasoned business owners who have been through it all, they were able to provide the practical, gritty advice, while the men on our panels took the chance to share vulnerably about their experiences – another flip in the conversation that many attendees weren’t expecting, but gained a lot from. 

For those in Tennant Creek, we heard that the day reframed conversations they’ve been having for years, leaving them ready to make the next move – whether it be learning more or starting their own business. For our team and the panellists we brought with us, we each learnt so much from the community and one another. 

Events like this are great reminders of the amazing people with big ideas who are ready to change the world.