LAST week, the Minister for Employment & Small Business, Jaala Pulford, launched a new and innovative approach to developing a thriving First Nations economy, which will generate new opportunities and shared prosperity for the benefit of everyone in the Goulburn Murray.
The Plan, which was developed in the region by First Nations and non-Indigenous institutions, organisations and businesses from throughout the Goulburn Valley working together.
Ms Pulford said, “We’re committed to supporting Aboriginal people and businesses in the Goulburn Murray region and across the state.
“This Plan is innovative and ambitious – providing key insights on how to create shared prosperity, where local First Nations people can contribute to and benefit from the growth of the wider economy.”
By adopting the Plan, the Goulburn Murray region is putting up its hand to lead the nation on how to create a shared prosperity model where local First Nations people can contribute to and benefit from the growth of the wider economy.
Paul Briggs, executive chair of Kaiela Institute and co-chair of the Project Control Group said, “The launch of this Plan marks an historical turning point for our region. This has been designed from the ground up by the region, for the region. Together, we are tackling the challenges of historical dispossession, marginalisation and trans-generational poverty by saying we all benefit from embracing Yorta Yorta knowledge and culture, and we all gain by sharing the value and prosperity First Nations people can bring to our regional economy.”
Many high-profile local businesses and institutions have already put up their hands to become Plan Champions or sign the Statement of Intent which commits signatories to building long-term partnerships that will deliver mutual respect, significant employment and business opportunities and to be collectively accountable to achieve measurable and agreed outcomes over the course of the Plan. These include SPC, Furphy, Gouge Linen & Garment Services, Goulburn-Murray Water, Greater Shepparton City Council, Strathbogie Shire and the Committees for Greater Shepparton and Echuca Moama.
Deputy Mayor of Greater Shepparton City Council and prominent local business owner, Rob Priestly, said, “KPMG modelling shows us, when First Nations people do well, we are all better off, our community and our economy grow. This region is optimistic and enthusiastic. We are ready now to take the lead on an innovative plan that will benefit everyone in our region. Many private businesses, our largest employers and Council are keen to bring First Nations people into our workforce and support new First Nations businesses. We look forward to the many benefits, social and cultural as well as economic, that this plan can deliver.”
