Goldfields Aboriginal Business Chamber is pleased to announce its partnership with Northern Star Resources Limited (Northern Star) and BHP Nickel West Pty Ltd (BHP) to provide support and assistant to Aboriginal businesses across the Goldfields region. Launched at special event on Wednesday evening, the partnership will leverage the strengths of all companies to help Aboriginal business thrive and grow.
The partnership is a significant milestone for GABC, Northern Star and BHP as it aligns with their shared commitment to fostering economic development and empowerment in regional Aboriginal communities where they operate. GABC has developed the dedicated program, Stronger Business as a culturally-safe capability building program with real opportunities for engagement and procurement, which is aligned with the aspirations of all partners. It also expands the capabilities and offerings currently provided by the GABC to support over 85% of the Aboriginal business sector within the Goldfields region.
“We are honoured to partner with Northern Star and BHP to support the Aboriginal business sector and communities,” said Rowena Leslie, Chair at GABC. “We believe that by working together, we can provide effective Aboriginal-led solutions that are grounded in Aboriginal knowledge and respect for cultural values.”
“We are excited to partner with GABC to provide much-needed localised support to Aboriginal businesses,” said Jacinta Parsons, General Manger at BHP Nickel West Kalgoorlie Nickel Smelter.
“BHP is committed to contributing to the economic empowerment of Indigenous peoples through investment which provides opportunities for employment, training, procurement and enterprise support, with Nickel West increasing our Indigenous procurement targets year on year.”
“By leveraging the strength of the GABC, we can create innovative opportunities that help these businesses thrive and contribute to their community’s economic development.” Jacinta said.
Kalgoorlie Operations General Manager Corin Arcaro said the partnership was very important to Northern Star, “further strengthening the capabilities of Aboriginal businesses in the Goldfields region”.
“Northern Star recognises the incredible value Indigenous businesses create within our supply chain, as well as the immense benefits they generate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities, and local economies,” Corin said.
“We are proud to be working in partnership with GABC, and look forward to seeing the significant impact this partnership will have towards increasing opportunities for Aboriginal businesses across the Goldfields region.”
KCGM Operations General Manager Nick Strong said, “Northern Star is committed to spending at least $20 million per annum with Indigenous businesses by July 2024, reflecting the importance to our Company of engaging Indigenous businesses”.
“Across our operations, our team is working to create opportunities for Traditional Owner businesses on whose land we are privileged to operate, and local Aboriginal businesses,” Nick said.
“This partnership will be central to helping us to achieve our goal, creating strong economic and community development outcomes for communities across the Goldfields,” Nick said.
Stronger Business is now offering localised events from May, commencing with a business breakfast briefing with Northern Star.
For more information on the GABC’s Stronger Business Program, visit www.gab.org.au
