NSWICC 20th Anniverary

First for Indigenous Business: Rise. Lead. Grow.

Parliamentary Breakfast

Tuesday 22 September 2026

NSW Parliament House, Sydney | Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

In 2026, the NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce (NSWICC) celebrates 20 years of championing Indigenous business, economic participation and self-determination across New South Wales.

To mark this significant milestone, NSWICC and The Hon. David Harris MP, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, will co-host a special 20th Anniversary Parliamentary Breakfast at NSW Parliament House, bringing together leaders from government, industry, the Indigenous business sector and community to reflect on two decades of progress - and look ahead to the next chapter of Indigenous enterprise in NSW.

Media Opportunities

NSWICC welcomes media interest in the anniversary celebrations and the broader story of the growth and evolution of Indigenous business in NSW.
Media opportunities include:
 
Coverage of the 20th Anniversary Parliamentary Breakfast at NSW Parliament House;
Coverage of the special anniversary unveiling at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney;
Pre-event and on-the-day interviews with NSWICC Founder Deb Barwick;
Interviews with NSWICC representatives, Indigenous business owners and key stakeholders;
Photography and filming opportunities; and
Background information, case studies and supporting material for stories relating to Indigenous business, procurement and economic participation.
 
Interview and story opportunities can be coordinated prior to Tuesday, 22 September.
 
Register interest in covering the breakfast or request an interview
 
 

 

Story Angles

The 20th anniversary provides an opportunity to explore not only NSWICC's history, but the significant changes that have taken place across the Indigenous business sector over the past two decades.
 
Potential story angles include:
20 Years of Indigenous Business in NSW
How has the Indigenous business landscape changed since NSWICC was established in 2006 – and what needs to happen over the next 20 years?
 
First for Indigenous Business
The story of NSWICC's establishment, its Founder Deb Barwick and two decades of advocacy, leadership and support for Indigenous businesses across NSW.
 
Indigenous Procurement: From Policy to Genuine Participation
The growth of Indigenous procurement and the continuing challenge of translating policy commitments into genuine, sustainable opportunities for Indigenous-owned businesses.
 
Tackling Black Cladding
Why genuine Indigenous business participation matters, the risks created by black cladding and the importance of strong verification, accountability and informed procurement practices.
 
The Next Generation of Indigenous Enterprise
The opportunities ahead for Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses – from major infrastructure and renewable energy to technology, regional development and emerging industries. 
 
 

Twenty Years First for Indigenous Business

Established in 2006, NSWICC has spent two decades working to create stronger opportunities for Indigenous-owned businesses across New South Wales.
 
As the peak body for Indigenous business in NSW, NSWICC works with Indigenous businesses, government and industry to strengthen business capability, improve access to procurement opportunities, advocate for better policy and procurement practices, and create meaningful connections between Indigenous suppliers and buyers.
 
Over those 20 years, the Indigenous business landscape has changed considerably.
Indigenous businesses are increasingly participating in government and corporate supply chains, delivering major projects, creating employment, building intergenerational wealth and contributing to local and regional economies.
 
NSWICC has been part of that journey from the beginning – advocating for Indigenous businesses, challenging barriers to participation and helping create the conditions in which Indigenous enterprise can rise, lead and grow.
 
The 20th anniversary is an opportunity to recognise how far the sector has come, while starting an important conversation about where it goes next.
 
 

The 20th Anniversary Parliamentary Breakfast

Tuesday, 22 September 2026
Strangers' Dining Room, NSW Parliament House, Sydney
Co-hosted by The Hon. David Harris MP, the invitation-only Parliamentary Breakfast will bring together government, corporate, Indigenous business and community leaders for a morning of storytelling, reflection and celebration.
 
The program will reflect on NSWICC's 20-year journey, the evolution of Indigenous business in NSW and the people, partnerships and advocacy that have helped shape the sector.
 
Following the breakfast and formalities at Parliament House, attendees will make the short walk to the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney to visit the renewed Cadi Jam Ora story journey – a place of cultural significance and storytelling on Gadigal Country.
 
Within this special setting, guests will witness the unveiling of a very special addition to the Garden, honouring the work of the NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce and its Founder, Deb Barwick, as First for Indigenous Business. 
 
 

Event Details

NSWICC 20th Anniversary Parliamentary Breakfast
20 Years First for Indigenous Business: Rise. Lead. Grow.
Date: Tuesday, 22 September 2026
Media arrival: 7:00am to allow sufficient time for NSW Parliament House security
Breakfast and formal proceedings: 7:30am
Venue: Strangers' Dining Room, NSW Parliament House, Sydney
Following the breakfast: Cadi Jam Ora, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and special anniversary unveiling
 
 

Media Attendance & Interview Requests

Media representatives are invited to register their interest in:
Covering the Parliamentary Breakfast
Covering the Royal Botanic Garden unveiling
Interviewing Deb Barwick or other NSWICC representatives
Arranging a pre-event interview or feature
Requesting images, background information or other media material
 
Media Contact
Events NSWICC
NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce
events@nswicc.com.au
Media enquiries and interview requests ahead of the anniversary are welcome.
 

 

About NSWICC

The NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce (NSWICC) is the peak body for Indigenous business in New South Wales.
 
Since 2006, NSWICC has worked to strengthen the Indigenous business sector by supporting business growth and capability, connecting Indigenous suppliers with procurement opportunities, working with government and industry to improve Indigenous participation, and advocating for policies and practices that create genuine economic opportunity.
 
NSWICC's work extends across metropolitan, regional and remote NSW and includes business support and capability development, procurement services, training, advocacy, certification, partnerships and initiatives designed to strengthen the Indigenous business ecosystem.
 
At the centre of this work is a simple principle: strong Indigenous businesses create stronger communities, employment, economic independence and opportunities for future generations.
 
First for Indigenous Business since 2006.