Agenda
Day One | Tuesday| October 15
8:15
Registration and Welcome Coffee
8:50
Welcome to Country
Jaeden Williams Director and Founder, Biik Bundjil
9:20
Chairperson's Opening Address
Adam Williams, Chairperson, Murri Chamber of Commerce
GENERATING EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
9:30
Keynote: The rise of the Blak Business Sector – the sector strengthening that matters
Painting a picture of what the future can look like five, ten, and twenty years into the future
Promoting individual businesses and employees while also looking after the idea of a First Nations sector with mutual benefits
Understanding how you can contribute to First Nations economic development, either as an aspiring Indigenous leader or an ally managing a team
Naomi Anstess, CEO, Northern Territory Indigenous Business Network, Chairperson, National Indigenous Business Chambers Alliance
10:00
Supporting the career progression of First Nations staff through professional development opportunities and mentoring
Ensuring that there are ample opportunities for career progression for First Nations employees
Creating opportunities that are accessible and appealing to First Nations employees
Offering culturally relevant mentoring for First Nations employees to prepare employees for career progression opportunities
Darren Hammond, Indigenous Engagement Manger, IAG
10:30
Morning Tea
11:05
Prioritising the psychosocial safety of First Nations employees when devising a First Nations employment or business strategy
Using national psychosocial protection legislation as the starting point for First Nations engagement
What does the national legislation not include that matters to the safety and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Linking occupational wellbeing to employment, retention, and your bottom line
Dr Clinton Schultz, Director, First Nations Strategy and Partnerships, Head of First Nations Research, Black Dog Institute
Stream A: First Nations recruitment, employment and retention
11:30
Panel: Fostering inclusive workplaces with strong cultural safety policies
How can workplaces be held accountable to cultural safety and First Nations representation through enterprise agreements?
Developing First Nations governance and leadership teams to ensure self-determination within the workplace
What can be done if a workplace is not upholding a commitment to cultural safety?
Troubleshooting possible reasons that companies may continue to struggle with recruitment and retention of First Nations employees despite devoting resources to improve cultural safety
Richard Hurst, Indigenous Employment and Engagement Consultant
Sharlene Leroy-Dyer, Director, Indigenous Business Hub, The University of Queensland
Rory Smeaton, First Nations Talent Manager, Yamagigu Consulting
12:10
Fostering a workplace culture that is attractive to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees to improve retention rates and employee satisfaction
What are the most common factors leading to either low or high retention rates for First Nations employees in a workplace?
Identifying alternative indicators of employee satisfaction, besides retention rates, for First Nations employees
Ensuring that First Nations employees are listened to and that feedback is implemented
Fallon Wanganeen, First Nations Employee Journey Expert, ANZ
Kaylee Hipwell, First Nations Employee Journey Expert, ANZ
Stream B: First Nations entrepreneurship
11:30
Panel: Elevating Indigenous business through improving supply chain diversity
Underscoring the “why” of including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in corporate business
Highlighting the mutual benefits and far-reaching economic impacts of including First Nations businesses in supply chains
Advocating for your business and building networks to maximise your engagement
Hayden Heta, Managing Director, Wamarra
Isabella Birtles, Senior Social Procurement Advisor, Laing O’Rourke
Sara Stuart, Managing Director, Mob Jobs
Gordon Cole, Chair, Noongar Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Tim Milsom, Chief Executive Officer, Noongar Chamber of Commerce and Industry
12:10
Unlocking the Potential of Indigenous Business Networks
Assessing the mutual benefits of operating within a closed ecosystem of First Nations businesses
Recognising the opportunities and limitations to First Nations procurement
Involving yourself in Indigenous economic development whether you are a big business or small operator
Tim Sculthorpe, Director, Narakupa Co
12:40
Lunch
ENHANCING RECRUITMENT, RETENTION AND ENGAGEMENT
1:40
Improving recruitment and retention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the mainstream health industry
Highlighting the “why” of prioritising a health industry workplace that is attractive to First Nations people – that it’s a matter of saving lives
Building pathways for First Nations students from all educational backgrounds to consider careers within a healthcare institution, even if it’s not as a health worker
Improving cultural safety within all levels and departments of healthcare institutions
Christopher Delamont, First Nation's Recruitment Coordinator, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne
2:10
Ensuring self-determination and community consultation are a vital aspect of the Remote Jobs and Economic Development (RJED) Program
Collaborating with government and community leaders to design the RJED Program
How is the government ensuring that self-determination is a key part of the RJED Program?
Addressing the ways in which remote employment services will continue to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to facilitate employment opportunities in remote Australia
Who is the RJED Program for and how can employment services assist CDP participants and others to participate in the RJED Program?
Lara Watson, Indigenous Officer, First Nations Workers Alliance
2:35
Delegates to move to yarning circles and connection activities
2:45
Yarning Circles and Connection Activities
Yarning Circle A: How do we measure the performance of our First Nations employees?
Clynton Munns, Coordinator - Indigenous Employment Program, Glencore
Yarning Circle B: Starting your business from scratch - what are the first steps to set you up for success?
Marc Harbrow, Founding Director, Harbrow Mentoring
Yarning Circle C: Making the business case for investment workplace wellbeing for First Nations staff
Dr Clinton Schultz, Director, First Nations Strategy and Partnerships, Head of First Nations Research, Black Dog Institute
3:40
Afternoon Tea
4:05
How can mainstream organisations improve their recruitment processes to attract First Nations talent?
Rethinking key aspects of the recruitment process to attract Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants, from job advertisements to the interview process
Effectively communicating the cultural safety and appeal of a workplace to First Nations applicants
Ensuring the appeal of a workplace to First Nations applicants and new employees is apparent
Sara Stuart, Managing Director, Mob Jobs
4:35
Engaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in education and employment through on-Country programs
Outlining the benefits of on-Country activities on the self-esteem and engagement levels of First Nations young people
What impact does improved self-esteem and connection to Country have on educational and employment outcomes?
Designing culturally appropriate strengths-based programs for First Nations young people to improve employment outcomes in communities
Marc Harbrow, Founding Director, Harbrow Mentoring
5:05
Chairperson’s Closing Address
5:15
End of Day One
Day Two | Wednesday| October 16
8:50
Chairperson’s Introduction
Adam Williams, Chairperson, Murri Chamber of Commerce
ELEVATING SELF DETERMINATION
9:00
What is the role of the Ambassador for First Nations People and how is the Australian Government supporting First Nations economic and business interests internationally?
Why is it important to have a First Nations presence and perspectives in Australia’s foreign policy and in international engagement?
What are Australia’s key international partnerships and initiatives, and how do they support First Nations economic, business and employment outcomes?
What are the Ambassador’s forward priorities and opportunities for First Nations economic development on the international stage?
Justin Mohamed, Ambassador for First Nations People, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
9:25
Enhancing the economic development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through First Nations-led international partnerships and dialogue
Highlighting the opportunities that arise when economic development opportunities are approached with genuine self-determination
What role can the international community play in strengthening local-led solutions?
Exploring international trade and partnerships opportunities as a First Nations business or employee
Jesse Martin, Chairman, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander International Engagement Organisation, National First Nations Strategy and Impact Lead, Neami National
9:50
Panel: Identifying the goals and purpose of the National Indigenous Business Chambers Alliance
How does the National Indigenous Business Chambers Alliance support the economic development and employment outcomes of First Nations communities across Australia?
What are the Alliance’s national priorities for economic reform and how does the Alliance plan to ensure these priorities are implemented?
Getting involved in your local First Nations Chamber of Commerce – what are the benefits for small and large business?
Donald Betts, CEO, Kinaway Chamber of Commerce
Naomi Anstess, CEO, Northern Territory Indigenous Business Network, Chairperson, National Indigenous Business Chambers Alliance
Adam Williams, Chairperson, Murri Chamber of Commerce
Debbie Barwick, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce
Gordon Cole, Chair, Noongar Chamber of Commerce and Industry
10:35
Morning Tea
11:05
Delegates to move into streams
Stream A: First Nations employment and engagement
11:10
Case Study: First Nations Traffic Management - Creating employment pathways and a culturally safe workplace environment for First Nations people who are ex-offenders or have never been in employment
Establishing mentoring programs that are tailored to the goals and requirements of attendees
Facilitating opportunities for training and upskilling to people with limited or no employment experience to reduce rates of unemployment among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
How can the measures being implemented at First Nations Traffic Management to create a supportive workplace environment be adapted to other workplaces?
Lionel Dukakis, Managing Director, First Nations Traffic Management
11:40
Empowering Aboriginal businesses through procurement by saying no to Black Cladding
Identifying manipulative joint venture proposals
Maintaining a strong sense of “why” Aboriginal business and self-determination in business is essential
Matthew Karakoulakis, Founder and Principal Solicitor, AMK Law (VIRTUAL)
11:55
How can non-Indigenous managers help foster a culturally inclusive approach to First Nations engagement?
What can non-Indigenous managers do that will make the greatest difference to the career aspirations of First Nations staff?
Helping create an organisational culture that embraces First Nations leadership and proactive allyship
Analysing examples where non-Indigenous managers have successfully empowered their First Nations staff
Jacara Egan, Head Of Operations, First Nations Cultural Practice and Engagement,, Headspace
Stream B: First Nations Entrepreneurship
11:10
Developing Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) and Fake Art Legislation as a way of protecting First Nations economic development
Outlining the current status of ICIP and Fake Art Legislation
What are the gaps in Australian legislation around ICIP that fail to protect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowledge sharing and storytelling?
How does developing new ICIP and Fake Art Legislation have the potential to positively impact First Nations economic development?
Patricia Adjei, Director, Standalone Legislation, Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts
11:35
Breaking down barriers for First Nations businesses
Working with both sides of the business chain to strengthen the First Nations business sector
Harnessing networking and coaching opportunities to ensure First Nations businesses are set up for succes
Shannon Mallison, Director, Yarpa Hub
12:00
Unlocking economic independence and growth for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by investing in Indigenous businesses
Identifying the importance of First Nations intermediaries to facilitate capital to projects and businesses
Outlining what First Nations entrepreneurs can do to increase their chances of being funded
What can mainstream corporations do to facilitate economic opportunities for Indigenous businesses?
Benson Saulo, Director, Buledya Services
12:25
Lunch
FUTURE READY EMPLOYMENT AND BUSINESS
1:35
Maximising Indigenous business opportunities in light of increasing focus on biodiversity, ESG and carbon credits
Working with Government, Aboriginal Corporations, and Private enterprise to ensure all stakeholders are ready for immediate climate investment opportunities
Finding ways to care for country and community while also operating a sustainable business
Identifying first steps to becoming a sustainable First Nations business
Thomas Holden, CEO, Nirrwara Global
2:05
Delegates to move to yarning circles and connection activities
2:15
Yarning Circles and Connection Activities
Yarning Circle A: How do we measure the performance of our First Nations employees?
Clynton Munns, Coordinator - Indigenous Employment Program, Glencore
Yarning Circle B: Starting your business from scratch - what are the first steps to set you up for success?
Marc Harbrow, Founding Director, Harbrow Mentoring
3:05
Afternoon Tea
3:35
Case Study: Generating First Nations employment opportunities and economic benefits through renewable energy projects such as the Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project
How did the partnership between Australian Training Works and Genex Power arise and what elements of this partnership make it conducive to generating employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people?
Creating a culturally appropriate and supportive working environment for people working on the Kidston hydro project
Engaging in meaningful consultation, collaboration and partnership
Tony Martens, Managing Director, Australian Training Works
4:05
Panel: Improving cultural safety for First Nations employees in fast paced industries like the mining and construction industry
Prioritising cultural safety in mining and construction industries, even when employees might stay at a workplace because of financial benefits
How can culturally appropriate mentorship programs improve attendance, engagement and employee satisfaction?
Keeping the “why” of employing and retaining First Nations employees front of mind in the mining and construction industries
What is the future of employment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in mining and construction in light of the move towards environmentally friendly technology?
Andrew Craig, (Yuwaalaraay/Gomeroi), National First Nations Engagement Manager, Fulton Hogan
Clynton Munns, Coordinator - Indigenous Employment Program, Glencore
Ronald Jones, National Aboriginal Engagement Manager, UGL