The McGowan Government is helping Aboriginal enterprises in the Goldfields build capacity and capability to leverage opportunities through a new grants initiative.
A total of 11 businesses from Wiluna, Boulder and South Boulder, Piccadilly, Coolgardie, South Kalgoorlie, Leonora/Laverton and Leinster/Wiluna and will share in more than $165,000 worth of inaugural Goldfields Building Better Aboriginal Business grants.
The Goldfields Aboriginal Business Chamber received a $13,411 grant to develop a strategic plan to set the overall direction for the organisation to ensure its long-term sustainability.
The Chamber's membership continues to grow, after it was established in 2020 to champion local Aboriginal businesses and remove barriers to securing commercial opportunities, generating enduring flow-on benefits to the community.
Family owned and operated rail resourcing company Triodia Resources will use its $14,700 grant to gain safety, environment and quality accreditation to improve its capacity and value when bidding for larger scale contracts.
Tourism startup OldBoys Culture and Gold Prospecting Tours will undertake training in financial software with its $1896 grant to enhance its Aboriginal culture and education business, which includes yarning, traditional food, medicines and prospecting techniques.
Melissa's Indigenous Cleaning Services will engage professional support on occupational, safety and health systems, as well as business coaching with its $14,510 grant so it can expand contracts and staff.
The grants are part of the State Government's commitment to Aboriginal economic development in the regions, alongside the Aboriginal Procurement Policy and the Aboriginal Governance and Leadership Development program.
A full list of Goldfields Building Better Aboriginal Business grant recipients is available at www.agric.wa.gov.au/aboriginal-business-development.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"This inaugural round of Goldfields Building Better Aboriginal Business grants is assisting a range of businesses to realise their potential - across mining, tourism, agriculture and services from throughout the region.
"This is important in ensuring our Aboriginal community is woven into the economic opportunities of the region.
"This practical grants program will improve the business acumen and strength of Goldfields Aboriginal enterprises and their ability to secure future mining, services and government contracts - driving growth and creating jobs to the benefit of the Goldfields community."
As stated by Aboriginal Affairs Minister Dr Tony Buti:
"While going from strength to strength, the full potential of the Aboriginal business sector is yet to be realised.
"In coming years, we will see Aboriginal businesses proliferate in number and scale, benefiting the wider economies and enriching local communities.
"Initiatives like these grants, combined with the WA Government's Aboriginal Procurement Policy, will facilitate this growth and help our State reach key outcomes within our Closing the Gap implementation plan."
As stated by Kalgoorlie MLA Ali Kent:
"I am a huge supporter of the Aboriginal businesses and the work they do in this region.
"It's fantastic to see so many indigenous Goldfields businesses taking advantage of this opportunity."
Goldfields Building Better Aboriginal Business grant recipients:
| Applicant | Location | Grant |
| Tarlka Matuwa Piarku Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC | Wiluna | $19,600 |
| Goldfields Aboriginal Business Chamber Incorporated | Boulder | $13,411 |
| Triodia Resources Pty Ltd | Piccadilly | $14,700 |
| Judumul Aboriginal Corporation | Coolgardie | $20,000 |
| Tucker Dust & Diesel | Boulder | $20,000 |
| D-MAC Mining Pty Ltd | South Kalgoorlie | $20,000 |
| Kutjarra Tjukurrpa Enterprise (KTE) | Leonora | $3,600 |
| OldBoys Cultural Gold Prospecting Tours (OldBoys) | South Boulder | $1,896 |
| Duha Cleaning Services Pty Ltd | Leonora/Laverton | $20,000 |
| Melissa's Indigenous Cleaning Services | Coolgardie | $14,510 |
| Tjiwarl Contracting Services Pty Ltd (TCS) | Leinster/Wiluna | $18,000 |
