Destination NSW Media Release, 17 Jun 2022:
The National Indigenous Art Fair will return to the Sydney Harbour foreshore July 2-3 to showcase creations from First Nations artists and makers from around Australia for its third annual art market.
The art fair, which launches NAIDOC Week 2022, takes place at the Overseas Passenger Terminal in The Rocks. The event provides Sydneysiders with the opportunity to buy ethical, authentic art directly from the artists, and it includes a two-day festival of Indigenous Australian art, song, dance, communal weaving, smoking ceremonies, bushfood and culture.
“The National Indigenous Art Fair symbolises an incredible gathering of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives, with many travelling from the far corners of Australia — places like Haasts Bluff, the Tiwi Islands and Yuendumu. The event presents a rare and exciting opportunity for the broader community to interact directly with the makers and hear their stories,” said Peter Cooley, CEO of First Hand Solutions Aboriginal Corporation, founders of the event.
He noted the National Indigenous Art Fair is the first Indigenous art show to run live again since COVID struck two years ago. “So, we’re kicking off the live Indigenous art fair scene around Australia to a massive Sydney market who are keen to get out and experience the art and atmosphere.”
From artworks to fashion, from jewellery to homewares, and from native dyed textiles to children’s puzzles, these inventive artisans are exemplars of sustainability, working closely with the resources found in their own environment, and weaving Care for Country and creativity into one.
Officially welcoming these 22 remote art centres to Sydney, local artists, designers and makers from Australia’s leading authentic First Nations marketplace – the Blak Markets – will join them in the Overseas Passenger Terminal. In total there will be 50 stallholders at this ethical marketplace, with all proceeds going directly back to the artist and First Nations communities.
NSW regional and remote Indigenous art collectives join us for the first time
“This year, in addition to inviting remote art centres, the art fair will support seven NSW regional and remote Indigenous collectives and artists to get to Sydney to connect them with the local marketplace,” said Mr Cooley.
“Australia-wide mobs have done it tough these past two years with the pandemic. And the NSW mob have also been impacted by fires and floods. Through the art fair, we want to come together in Sydney, highlight some of the good stuff that’s come out of these disasters and showcase our resilience. It will be great to have these NSW collectives alongside us for the first time at our art fair,” he added.
As well as all the inspirational art and design stalls, the National Indigenous Art Fair presents an impressive program of live cultural and performance experiences, running from 10am to 5pm each day.
Early arrivals each morning will have the opportunity to participate in poignant Indigenous smoking ceremonies and join a procession into the National Indigenous Art Fair, watching as each stall is blessed and cleansed.
Once inside, attendees will be able to enjoy singing performances by Mi-kaisha, Nadeena Dixon and Djinama Yilaga Choir and performances by Ngaran Ngaran Culture Awareness Aboriginal Dance Group and Wagana Dancers.
Panel discussion to highlight issues impacting Indigenous communities
On Sunday afternoon, there will be a panel discussion to tie in with the NAIDOC Week theme, Get Up, Stand Up, Show Up, with traditional owners, Indigenous leaders and artists talking about issues impacting their remote communities.
“Topics include the importance of protecting homelands with Babbarra artists, how fracking and mining have impacted their remote communities and their work as artists (Juluwarlu and Munupi), and the importance of Indigenous organisations taking charge in times of disaster as we saw at the Koori Mail with the Lismore floods,” said Mr Cooley.
For those wanting to get hands-on, there is a unique opportunity to work alongside local Aboriginal weavers on a communal weaving project. Children’s activities will also be a highlight, with storytelling in the sand circle, and a kids’ dance and craft workshop offered on Sunday.
On the bushfood front, Indigenous chef Matthew Atkins will conduct cooking demonstrations at his food truck at the event, offering up a delicious bushfood feast, and the folks from IndigiGrow nursery will be selling a variety of native bushfood plants and herbs.
“With all of this available for a gold coin donation on entry, the National Indigenous Art Fair has to be the best value day out for Sydneysiders of all ages in history, not to mention an unmissable opportunity to kick off Sydney’s NAIDOC Week celebrations in style,” concluded Peter Cooley.
This third annual event is presented by National Indigenous Art Fair founders, Sydney-based First Hand Solutions Aboriginal Corporation, in proud partnership with the following organisations: the Port Authority of NSW, ABC Radio, University of Technology Sydney, the City of Sydney, and support from the federal government’s Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support program and Indigenous Business Australia.
For more information, visit niaf.com.au/Facebook event. The Overseas Passenger Terminal is easily accessible by public transport and on foot from Circular Quay.
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MEDIA: A selection of high-resolution images is available for download here.
For media interviews, call: Kim Carter (0407 771 698).
ABOUT
First Hand Solutions Aboriginal Corporation (FHS) was established in October 2012 with a mission to build empowered, resilient Indigenous communities through cultural reconnection, education, employment and enterprise. FHS combines social innovation, cultural protection, education and social enterprises to close the gap for Indigenous people.
FHS has two arms: a community programs branch and a social enterprise arm where the corporation operates two ventures. The first, IndigiGrow, is a native plant nursery based in Sydney’s East, which provides employment and training to young Aboriginal people in the critically endangered plant species of their community. The second initiative is the Blak Markets, a micro-business hub for Indigenous artists, designers and craftspeople, providing them with the opportunity to earn and learn from the marketplace.
NIAF builds on the Blak Markets’ model by providing remote Indigenous art centres with the chance to participate and learn from the marketplace and collaborate with others nationwide. In the lead up to the art fair, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from remote communities will travel to Sydney, thanks to support from First Hand Solutions’ Heart in Art program, which provides economic and professional development opportunities to Aboriginal artists working in remote communities. During their time in Sydney, artists will be connected to major art and cultural institutions.
The University of Melbourne media release, dated 12 Aug 2021:
The Dilin Duwa Centre for Indigenous Business Leadership – the first of its kind in Australia – was launched today at the University of Melbourne and Melbourne Business School.
The centre will be a home for education, engagement and research to support the self-determined growth of Indigenous businesspeople, companies, and communities around the country.
The name Dilin Duwa means “everlasting flow” in the Woi Wurrung language of the Wurundjeri people, on whose lands the Centre is located. It signifies the convergence of three streams of activities - teaching/programs, research and engagement - into impact.
Director, Associate Professor Michelle Evans, said the Centre was committed to the pursuit of equality for Australia’s First Nations people in the economic life of our country.
“The best way for the university sector to improve Indigenous economic inclusion is to offer access to business education, no matter where people are located,” Associate Professor Evans said.
“The Indigenous business sector is a vibrant, diverse sector that spans across all industries and geographic locations of Australia. And it is growing, with Indigenous entrepreneurs and boards deciding where to position in the market and how to give back to Indigenous communities.”
The Centre will become a primary resource for governments and corporations, providing previously unavailable research and data to inform policy and provide insights into procurement and Indigenous engagement activities.
Earlier this year the Centre team, working with Indigenous Business Data Custodians and the Melbourne Institute, delivered Australia’s inaugural Indigenous Business Snapshot and developed the Indigenous Business Longitudinal Analysis Data Environment (I-BLADE) 1.0, a project the Centre will continue developing.
The launch coincides with the announcement of two major partnerships with the Centre: Indigenous Business Australia (IBA), one of Australia’s leading bodies supporting Indigenous businesses, and the Minderoo Foundation.
IBA’s partnership is one of the largest it has signed with an educational institution. IBA’s Director of Community and Customer Experience, Arrernte woman Stella de Cos, said the Centre provided a new level of resourcing to support the rapid
growth of Indigenous businesses.
“Entrepreneurship and building strong business skills provide a clear path to achieving financial success and economic independence for Indigenous Australians and our communities,” she said.
“Since 2014, IBA has supported the MURRA program, so this expansion to partner with regional programs, with a dedicated online platform, is another step towards our commitment for a nation in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
are economically independent and an integral part of the economy.
“By supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs to build on their success, to contribute and grow business on country and within their own eco-systems, we can continue to foster the growth of a vibrant, sustainable Indigenous business sector, and true
economic empowerment.”
Generation One, an initiative of Minderoo Foundation, has a mission to create employment parity with and for Indigenous Australians.
CEO Shelley Cable, a MURRA alumna, said the Dilin Duwa partnership would build on the University’s strong history of backing Indigenous entrepreneurs and increasing support available nationwide.
“The Indigenous business sector contributes billions of dollars to our economy, and demand for Indigenous goods and services continues to grow. Through Australia’s first Centre dedicated to Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs, the
sector will be supported to reach new heights, resulting in meaningful progress towards Indigenous employment parity, led by self-determining Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses,” Ms. Cable said.
Expanding on the foundations built by the award-winning MURRA Indigenous Business Program and the recent online Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Business Leadership, the Centre will also be guided by an Indigenous Advisory
Group made up of Indigenous business and leaders, including Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Di Kerr, Dr Blaze Kwaymullina and IBA’s Stella de Cos.
The Centre will follow Indigenous terms of reference to ensure cultural priorities and protocols are observed. Staffing and leadership are majority-Indigenous: Associate Professor Evans, Lecturer - Indigenous Communities Ash Francisco, Associate Lecturer – Indigenous Programs Mitchell Hibbens and Centre Manager Steven Clarke.
“My hope is that Dilin Duwa will provide a space where established Indigenous business owners, teachers, aspiring entrepreneurs, corporate organisations, and government can come together to realise the dream of an economically powerful Indigenous Australia,” Associate Professor Evans said.
Kirsty Moore appointed as new CEO at Indigenous Business Australia.The Minister for Indigenous Australians has confirmed the appointment of Kirsty Moore as the next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) after a competitive recruitment process.
With experience across a broad array of sectors and skills, Kirsty is well equipped to lead the organisation into the next steps of supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to achieve their goals of home ownership, starting or growing a business, and investment opportunities.
Kirsty joined IBA in 2018 as head of Products and Markets where she increased the program alignment across areas, helped to develop and drive key strategies to find long-term funding solutions for IBA to ultimately benefit our customers and the communities we serve, and supported the growth of the business. She has been in the acting CEO role since 31 May 2021.
Prior to joining IBA, Kirsty was a senior executive with the WA Government where she had responsibility for business development, low deposit home loans, shared equity and asset management of the $14.5bn WA social housing portfolio.
Kirsty’s experience spans outside the public sector with time spent at PricewaterhouseCoopers and National Australia Bank. A graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, she has a strong background in technical accounting, corporate governance and commercial finance.
Experience matters, and combined with the appreciation for our cause and passion for Indigenous outcomes will support the additional element required to lead IBA’s vision.
With her beginnings in social housing, Kirsty grew up in Lancashire UK before moving to Australia. She was the first in her family to finish year 12. With support from her grandfather and a teacher who saw her potential, she advanced her opportunities. Her passion is to help people who need a bit of belief and support.
“I believe that all people deserve opportunities. That is why I work at IBA and why I want to create opportunities for people who are ready,” said Kirsty.
“It is a great privilege to be trusted to lead this long-standing, highly successful organisation that has helped so many Indigenous Australians achieve their dreams and become contributors to both their communities and Australia as a whole.”
The appointment was welcomed today by IBA’s Chairperson Eddie Fry, who received the correspondence from the Minister of Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt.
“Kirsty has the full support of the IBA Board and staff to continue the great work underway by the organisation. She is deeply invested in the financial success and economic independence of Indigenous Australians.
“The dedication and experience that Kirsty brings to the organisation is exceptional. She will take IBA further into the future, challenging ideas and engaging across communities, stakeholders and government.
“The trials for the business, our customers, staff and families dealing with the impacts of COVID continue. Under Kirsty’s leadership to date and now in the top job, I know we will be resilient and adapt into the future.
“The IBA Board looks forward to working collaboratively with Kirsty and to greatly increase our achievements in the coming years for the benefit of Indigenous Australians and therefore all of Australia.”
Media contact: Tara Toohill 0427 011 938 or tara.toohill@iba.gov.au
CSIRO are working with Australia’s first and only Aboriginal owned-and-operated ground station provider to bring data down to Earth.
The ground station, located near Alice Springs and owned by the Centre for Appropriate Technology (CfAT), will download the data from the NovaSAR-1 satellite as it passes overhead. This data is then sent to the CSIRO so it can be processed and made available to registered users of their national facility for things like agriculture and natural disaster management.
This will mark the first time Australia has managed its own source of Earth observation data.
IBA provided the funding to construct the ground station at CfAT a couple years ago and it launched last year so this is just the next step in the process.
Peter Renehan, CfAT CEO, said access to NovaSAR-1 has the potential to benefit many Indigenous communities, like Indigenous rangers who look after land and sea and can use imagery from space to help do their jobs. It also puts Aboriginal people at the forefront of Australia’s growing space sector.
“It’s important that we can build and own facilities like this right here in central Australia and feel proud that Aboriginal Australians are making such an important contribution to supporting the development of Australia’s sovereign capability in the space industry,” Mr Renehan said.
Read the CSIRO Media Release or check out their blogpost for more detail about the great work of CfAT and CSIRO’s RAP initiatives.
Tennant Creek’s IGA supermarket is expected to open by November of this year, after an extensive reconstruction and fit-out of the old site.
The IGA had to be relocated to a temporary site after the Paterson Street building, including adjoining retailers, was destroyed by arson in July 2020.
The supermarket and buildings are owned by Julalikari Council Aboriginal Corporation (JCAC) and Indigenous Business Australia (IBA), who are each 50% shareholders.
“The rebuild and fit-out was scheduled to be completed in September,” says IBA’s Executive Director, Government and Public Relations, Sean Armistead. “However, our project manager advises that due to a range of issues, including disruptions to the building industry around Australia, we expect the open date to now be November.”
“We are doing everything in our power to get the work finished as fast as possible and to provide a store that meets the expectations and needs of the local community.”
Once construction of the building is complete, the building will be handed over to IBA Retail Asset Management (IRAM), which manages and operates the store, for a comprehensive fit-out.
“Our partnership board has approved the design, our architect has ordered all the specialist fittings, including refrigeration and shelving, and we have awarded tenders for the fit out,” IRAM CEO John Kop said.
“The reconstruction project gave us a chance to modernise the store lay out and facilities, so we’re keen to get on with it and re-open our doors,” Mr Kop said.
IRAM has operated a temporary store co-located with the town’s BP Service Station since August 2020.
“We were able to get up and running relatively quickly, as we could share computer systems and facilities, such as the BP kitchen and storage shed,” Mr Kop said.
“With the help of our owners, the Julalikari and IBA partnership, we have invested in substantial upgrades to the facility over the past year, which has enabled us to trade as normally as possible,” he said.
“We now stock nearly our full range of goods and have maintained competitive supermarket prices at both the temporary supermarket and BP Service Station, with weekly specials,” Mr Kop said.
Mr Kop said the current tourist season had increased trade at the supermarket and BP service station but supplies from Adelaide were holding up well.
“Tennant Creek is booked out and we expect to be busy in coming weeks, with events such as the Finke Desert Race,” he said.
Media contacts
Tara Toohill, for IBA on 0427 011 938
Jane Munday, True North Strategic Communication, for IRAM on 0427 880 083
A singing collaboration in the Northern Territory has shown how music can unify communities.
The Barkly Voices Project, sponsored by Indigenous Business Australia (IBA)’s subsidiary IBA Retail Asset Management (IRAM), saw 160 schoolchildren, Traditional Owners and community members from the Barkly Region contribute their voices.
The resulting four and a half-minute video clip of ‘Keep My Culture Strong’ was released today.
The Barkly Voices Project arranged and remixed a song composed and recorded by Barkly musician Brian Morton and Australian musician and songwriter Neil Murray.
“We wanted to show the Barkly Region in a positive light,” says Julianne Croft, a musician and artistic director who coordinated the project via her role at Barkly Regional Arts.
The idea for the online singing collaboration came from IRAM CEO John Kop during COVID-19 lockdowns after seeing the diverse virtual choirs popping up around the world. He arranged sponsorship from IRAM, a subsidiary of IBA, which manages the Tennant Creek supermarket.
Barkly Voices participants were invited to use their smart phones to simultaneously listen to Brian Morton’s backing track and record audio-visual files, which were posted on an interactive website for editing. This was balanced by participants recorded either on site or at the Winanjjikari Music Centre studio at Barkly Regional Arts.
Four schools took part in the collaboration including Tennant Creek Primary School, the Munkarta Homelands, Murray Downs (Imangarra) Primary School and Elliott Public School (with singer Ray Dimakarri Dixon). Other organisations contributing their voices included Catholic Care, Nyinkka Nyunyu Art and Culture Centre and Papulu Apparr-Kari Language Centre.
“The kids were great,” says Julianne Croft. “It was a really positive experience for them.”
Sean Armistead, Executive Director of Government & Public Relations at IBA, notes that contributing to local Indigenous communities for positive economic outcomes is core to IBA’s purpose.
“Projects like the Barkly Voices shine a positive light on Australia’s Indigenous culture – and something we should all be proud to promote.
“The theme of Reconciliation Week 2021 is ‘More than a word, reconciliation takes action’ and this video shows what action can look like.”
Barkly Regional Arts also receives sponsorship from the Northern Territory and Australian Governments.
Media contact: Tara Toohill 0427 011 938 or tara.toohill@iba.gov.au
Sitting by the firelight,
The moon is shining bright.
Listening to all the people
Telling the Dream Time story.
I’m thinking very deeply,
About that dreaming.
How it is the backbone to this land.
Keep my culture strong.
Keep my culture strong.
Culture is the main thing.
It’s our identity and meaning.
It’s the way to survive.
We can’t forget our ancestors.
We gotta keep it all alive,
And pass it on to our children.
Keep my culture strong.
Keep my culture strong.
Keep my culture strong.
And carry on.
[Bridge] (spoken in different First Nations’ languages and Chinese, Indonesian and French languages of Barkly singers: “Keep our culture strong, keep our children strong, keep our country strong”)
Well, I’m standing in my country.
I feel the power in the ground.
It’s what the old people said.
When my time is done and I no longer walk this earth,
My spirit will return to the place I love.
Keep my culture strong.
Keep my culture strong.
Keep my culture strong.
And carry on.
Keep my culture strong.
Keep my culture strong.
Keep my culture strong.
And carry on.
The launch of two new strategic partnerships – Australian Unity Bank and Bank Australia – supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in their financial success.
The partnership demonstrates an important collaboration with segments of the corporate sector committed to the economic independence of Indigenous Australians.
Australian Unity Bank and Bank Australia will deliver a diverse range of products and services to IBA customers that facilitate financial success and economic independence in a relevant and culturally sensitive way.
Christine Yates, Chief Executive Officer of Retail, Australian Unity, said the partnership reaffirmed Australian Unity’s commitment to building strong and respectful relationships with Indigenous Australia.
“I am proud that Australian Unity Bank has entered into a partnership with IBA to support members of the Indigenous community own a home and support economic empowerment.”
“We know that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people remain overrepresented among financially vulnerable Australians, and that home ownership can lead to significantly improved socio-economic outcomes,” Ms Yates said.
Damien Walsh, Bank Australia Managing Director said that partnering with IBA to provide values-aligned access to finance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is an important step in helping to build a fairer and more inclusive society.
“Working with IBA will help us to better meet the needs of First Nations people on their home ownership journeys, and we hope to continue to learn from IBA to improve our ability to support First Nations people in building their financial independence.”
IBA provided their 20,000th home loan to the Indigenous community in 2020. This bank panel arrangement builds on IBA’s ongoing commitment to Indigenous prosperity, reconciliation and genuine relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, their communities and Indigenous businesses.
Peter O’Neill, Acting Chief Executive Officer of IBA, said the partnerships with Australian Unity Bank and Bank Australia would support new and existing customers take ownership of their home and their future.
“We’re always working hard to ensure the best for our customers, and after months of discussion we are delighted to partner with two banks that align with our values to provide new lending options,” Mr O’Neill said.
“These strategic partnerships demonstrate an important collaboration with segments of the corporate sector committed to the economic independence of Indigenous Australians.”
The dedicated teams at both banks have undertaken formal cultural understanding training to ensure a smooth transition for IBA customers and provide them with the guidance and service quality they are accustomed to through their existing relationship.
IBA media contact: Tara Toohill 0427 011 938 or tara.toohill@iba.gov.au
Australian Unity media contact: Ellen Donald, Six O’Clock Advisory, 0400 359 597, www.australianunity.com.au
Bank Australia media contact: Cheyne McKee, 03 9854 4899, www.bankaust.com.au
Over $10 million worth of upgrades to the Katherine Government Centre will deliver improved services, provide better access to clinics for the Katherine community, and create around 200 local jobs.
Katherine Government Centre is the hub for government services in the Big Rivers Region and the $10+ million refurbishment program will provide a new, more integrated service counter for the public, improved access to clinics, dedicated and separate entrances for clients to access more confidential and private services.
The centre is leased by the Northern Territory Government and the building owner is undertaking an extensive refurbishment and refit of the building from 1 March 2021 in return for a new 15-year lease.
The extensive works include a new service counter to be used by MVR, Housing and the Territory Business Centre, new facilities for Mental Health services, centralisation of Territory Families, Housing and Communities services, improved client engagement and office spaces for all eight agencies working in the centre and new conference and meeting facilities.
Katherine Government Centre forms part of the Indigenous Real Estate Investment Trust (I-REIT), a property investment fund whose investors comprise Indigenous Business Australia and 25 Indigenous investor groups.
Following a competitive tender, IBA Asset Management selected local Aboriginal construction company, On Country Construction, to undertake the estimated $10+ million refurbishment program.
Works start in March 2021 and are scheduled to be completed mid-2022. Works will be undertaken in stages to help minimise any disruption to services and inconvenience to the public.
During the refurbishment, Katherine MVR is temporarily relocating to 14 Katherine Terrace for approximately six months, and some health facilities will operate from Gorge Health Clinic on Second Street for around 12 months.
During construction, Community Corrections will relocate to the Randazzo Centre on Katherine Terrace, and the Territory Business Centre, NT Work Safe, Licencing, Director of Public Prosecutions and Police Prosecutions, currently in the Randazzo Centre, will relocate to the Katherine Government Centre.
All other services will continue to be delivered from the Katherine Government Centre during refurbishment but may be temporarily located in a different part of the building.
Signage will be provided to help guide and direct the public during the refurbishment program to minimise disruption and inconvenience.
The Minister for Corporate and Digital Development, Paul Kirby, said “Delivering quality government services to Katherine residents is our priority and these significant building upgrades will enhance our ability to better service the public.
“Katherine Government Centre is the hub for Katherine residents when dealing with government and these refurbishments will not only enhance the amenities for staff but improve service delivery and accessibility to medical clinics for residents.
“The refurbishment program will provide a contemporary workplace, significantly improving the way agencies operate and deliver services.
“The works will be staged to minimise any inconvenience to Katherine residents or disruption to service delivery.
“It’s great to see such a strong commitment and significant private investment into the town from Aboriginal investors into Indigenous owned and run businesses.”
Sean Armistead, Executive Director, Government & Public Relations, IBA, said, “IBA promotes self-management and economic independence through our investment work. Which means we want the best for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and businesses getting involved in commercial enterprises and investment opportunities.
“Whenever we can work with Indigenous businesses to deliver a project on a scale like this refurbishment, it’s a win for everyone – the local community, businesses, and stakeholders in the tenancy that will enjoy the update.
“The $10+ million refurbishment program will be completed using local trades, contractors and suppliers. On Country Construction is a joint venture between Ironbark Aboriginal Corporation and local construction company Jaytex Constructions.
“The upgraded facilities will lock in a lease agreement with the Northern Territory Government for 15 years which gives returns to the I-REIT and all its co-investors.”
Contact:
Tara Toohill, IBA, 0427 011 938
Lisa Sennett, NT Government, 0476 831 259
In partnership with Dr Kevin Dolman (Eastern Arrernte) and Professor Sheree Cairney from the Interplay Project, IBA undertook an inaugural impact research project throughout 2020. The findings are now being released.
Over 1,200 customers participated in this ground-breaking research which is already playing a significant role in helping IBA understand how the social, economic and cultural well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is impacted by IBA’s products and services.
The research assesses short, medium- and long-term impacts and aligns with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Sustainable Development Goals to progress Australia’s commitment towards economic empowerment of Indigenous people.
Led by an Indigenous evaluation expert, Dr Dolman, the Impact Report presents eight months of research, survey responses from over 1,200 customers and 15 hours of in-depth interviews. Partnering with the Interplay Project enhanced IBA’s ability to assess the evidence and data in a way that could assist in driving systemic change towards greater equity with customers.
Across all IBA divisions (Home Ownership, Business Solutions and Investment & Asset Management), the report concludes that IBA is generating positive impacts in relation to empowerment, financial resilience and wellbeing.
While the report found that customers experience positive impacts from the very beginning of their relationship with IBA, it was concluded that the further you are in your customer journey with IBA, the stronger the economic empowerment will be.
Overwhelmingly this report concludes there is a strong correlation between IBA Support (support, care and strong relationships) and positive impacts for customers. When customers feel understood and supported by IBA staff, they experience significantly increased levels of empowerment, resilience and wellbeing.
The external evaluators have made 15 recommendations to IBA in areas that will directly correlate to stronger results demonstrating positive improvements in the customer’s social, economic and cultural wellbeing. IBA is committed to implementing actions against each of these recommendations throughout 2021.
IBA Executive Director, Government & Public Relations, Sean Armistead, explains the Impact Framework and report were years in the making and was the first step in a long journey towards ensuring that products and services delivered by IBA are creating a positive impact across a customer’s life.
“We are attempting to flip the norm of reporting that has traditionally focused on outputs rather than impact.”
“The survey was about our customers, not the numbers. It represents everything they’ve told us.”
“IBA has been on a journey to understand the economic, cultural and social impacts our customers experience as a result of engaging with our products and services. This report is the culmination of that work that started with the Board approving the development of an Impact Framework in 2018.
“This report is only possible because of the generosity of over 1,200 of our customers and we are deeply grateful for their valuable contributions.”
“Providing 20,000 home loans to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over the life of our program is one thing but knowing they feel more financially accepted or have created intergenerational wealth for their families is our ultimate goal.”
“The correlation between support and positive impacts is clear. Our findings only accentuated what we already knew but it also emphasised we were working in the right direction. We want to expand this awareness and incorporate it into everything we do.”
Dr Kevin Dolman was the lead evaluator on the project, which included managing the research collaboration and ensuring compliance with cultural and evaluation ethics, as well as guiding the survey design, data analysis and reporting.
“By maintaining and increasing a strong focus on customer relationships, IBA will generate even greater positive impacts towards its statutory purpose of self-management and self-sufficiency for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”
The Hon Ken Wyatt, Minister for Indigenous Australians, supports the research and its findings.
“This in-depth study demonstrates the impacts that can be made with investment in Indigenous people. Economic empowerment is crucial in efforts to reduce disadvantage, and this work shows the opportunities that are present to drive this progress.”
IBA will continue to track impact on an annual basis for years to come. The report was launched at an online event on 8 February 2021 with Minister Wyatt, Dr Dolman, Prof Cairney, and IBA Board Director Rosemary Addis.
Interviews available on request. A video recording of the launch event will be available soon. Link to the IBA Impact Report.
Media contact: Tara Toohill 0427 011 938 or tara.toohill@iba.gov.au
Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) partners with First Nations Foundation to deliver on their joint objective for the financial prosperity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
First Nations Foundation is a not-for-profit group established in 2006 with a majority Indigenous board. Their key areas of activity include financial education, superannuation outreach, and research into the financial position of Indigenous Australians.
IBA will work in partnership with the foundation to improve retirement outcomes and educate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to navigate the superannuation system and improve their financial well-being, combatting the lowest rates of financial literary in the nation (HILDA 2018).
IBA will support two of the foundation’s major activities over the next two financial years – an Indigenous financial well-being website (to be launched this year) and their keystone event, Big Super Day Out, a superannuation outreach program for Indigenous communities.
IBA CEO Rajiv Viswanathan noted that a portion of the annual returns from IBA’s investment in the Indigenous Real Estate Investment Trust (I-REIT) are able to be used to promote Indigenous economic impact and the foundation’s work with financial literacy aligns with that intent.
‘Providing access to education and insight to the superannuation system can create long term effects for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that may not otherwise know how to navigate the benefits they are entitled.
‘The Big Super Day Out has a track record of reuniting Indigenous people with a significant amount of lost and unclaimed super – $24 million for more than 1600 people.
‘With an Indigenous majority board since 2006, First Nations Foundation has a remit to build financial education and IBA is proud to support the work they do.’
Media contact: Tara Toohill, 0427 011 938 or tara.toohill@iba.gov.au
