Nhulunbuy event spotlights Indigenous business leaders and opportunities

East Arnhem Indigenous business leaders have come together in Nhulunbuy to build networks and share ideas for growing success in the region. FREE READ.

Nathan Djerkurra. Impact Norths Ral-Manapanmirr event brought together Yolngu entrepreneurs, Aboriginal corporations, government entities, and community leaders on May 30 at the Gove Boat Club.

East Arnhem Indigenous business leaders have come together in Nhulunbuy to build networks and share ideas for growing success in the region.

Impact North’s Räl-Manapanmirr event brought together Yolngu entrepreneurs, Aboriginal corporations, government entities, and community leaders on May 30 at the Gove Boat Club.

In the morning session on taking “real steps towards reconciliation”, Buymarr Getaways founder Nathan Djerkurra told the crowd that success for his business meant “rebuilding our community”.

“We’re doing this so that people can live back on our home,” he said.

Glenda Abraham and Nathan Djerkurra on May 30 at the Gove Boat Club. Picture: Supplied.

Laynhapuy Homelands Aboriginal Corporation chief executive Glenda Abraham said failure was a normal part of running businesses, but key to success was a long term vision.

“We need to have a mindset that grant funding is our seed investor, and then programs need vision and sustainability,” Ms Abraham said.

“For every business that continues, six will fail. For me, it’s not a failure but learning to take away and bring back.

“Our dollar is plummeting, which opens up an opportunity for export. People around the world are interested in Indigenous fashion, food and tourism. This is the time that they can come and spend.”

Attendees at the Impact Norths Ral-Manapanmirr event. Picture: Supplied.

In an afternoon Q&A session, co-founder of Dhapirrk Security Michael Maymuru said enjoying what you do was an important first step.

“If you don’t like doing it, you will have an uphill battle,” he said.

Michael Maymuru (right). Impact Norths Ral-Manapanmirr event brought together Yolngu entrepreneurs, Aboriginal corporations, government entities, and community leaders.

“Living in two worlds and walking in two worlds is very important.”

The event aimed to create a dynamic space for knowledge sharing and mutual learning under the banner of Räl-Manapanmirr – meaning working together hand-in-hand.