A NEW association of indigenous commercial organisations is being established in Western Australia to promote the sector’s development. At a meeting hosted by Indigenous Business Australia, 13 organisations involved in commerce and business decided to form the association to provide mutual support and networking and foster their commercial capability. The association will also provide an opportunity to engage strategically with industry and government. The WA Government and IBA have agreed to provide $50,000 each to help establish the association. The idea builds on work underway in the Pilbara to form an association of Indigenous contractors involved in the mining industry. Organisations participating include Marnda Mia, Wunan Foundation, Leedal Pty Ltd, Ngarda Ngarli Yarndu Foundation, MG Corporation, Noongar Country Foundation and IBN Corporation. Wunan Foundation chairman Ian Trust said: “We want to be part of the economy, some of us have money to invest, and we all want to set up businesses to provide jobs and other opportunities for our people.” As well as the up front funding, IBA will offer advice on investment and dividend strategies, corporate governance and joint venture opportunities.
