The team from the joint venture between Jawoyn Association and Rise, known as Nyirrunggulung-Rise, recently visited Bama Country in Far North Queensland to attend the annual Rise Ventures Mayors and CEO’s conference.

The two-day conference is attended by leaders of regional and remote councils and senior government workers and is designed to provide a forum to improve collaboration within remote communities to support Indigenous Australians towards greater economic empowerment and opportunity.

The Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt (pictured, left) spoke to the group about the importance of building sustainable economies in remote Australia.

He said it was important that delivery of CDP is shaped by each local community, encouranging groups to harness their local knowledge and understanding to inform a process of co-design, because the locals are the ones with their finger on the pulse,.

“Ensuring that programmes are working on the ground is essential,” Mr Wyatt said.

“The partnerships between RISE Ventures and local aboriginal organisations is another way to ensure the local community contribute to the delivery of the program.”

Nyirrunggulung Rise chairperson Tony Jack (pictured. right) raised a number of issues with the Minister including concerns around the procurement of local Indigenous businesses and their workforce.

“Too often large companies are getting contracts under false pretences, they give local people work but only for a few weeks while they stay on our communities for months,” Mr Jack said.

“This needs to change so local people can access employment opportunities and keep money coming into their communities.”