More than $148,000 in state government funding will help 16 Aboriginal women on the NSW North Coast launch micro-businesses in environmental management and cultural heritage protection.
The grant goes to Currie Country Social Change for its pilot program, Empowering Women for Country: Building Skills in Cultural and Heritage Protection. The program will equip participants with certifications in cultural heritage, drone operation, first aid, and 4WD safety, alongside training in leadership, business, and communications.
Through the pilot, the women will also receive training and guidance to establish micro-businesses delivering environmental management and cultural heritage services grounded in Aboriginal knowledge. Wraparound support including ongoing mentoring, cultural connection, and intergenerational knowledge transfer will help them launch and sustain their enterprises.
“The NSW Government’s funding is helping build a First Nations women-led ecosystem of environmental, cultural and community enterprises that support one another to grow, lead and respond to the long-term challenges of climate, community resilience and caring for Country,” said Currie Country Social Change CEO Arabella Douglas.
“The program recognises that women are already leading in environmental management, regeneration, community care and cultural education, and it simply backs their leadership and creates pathways for long-term economic independence and impact.”
Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said the initiative would open doors for women facing barriers to work.
“With skills in cultural heritage, environmental protection and disaster management in high demand across the state, the knowledge and leadership these women will bring to Country is invaluable and essential.”
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said the program aligned with the state’s Closing the Gap commitments, including Priority Reform 5, which focuses on Aboriginal business growth and economic prosperity.
“Programs like this will help equip Aboriginal women with the tools they need to boost their local economies and preserve their culture now and into the future.”
Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said backing Aboriginal women into high-demand sectors was good for the whole region.
“Empowering Aboriginal women to launch micro-businesses in high-demand sectors like environmental management is a win-win for the North Coast.”
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