Last week, history was made on Bundjalung Country.
NSWICC and Byron Shire Council officially launched the Bundjalung Aboriginal Business Network - and unveiled a completely redesigned suite of procurement policies and documentation, co-designed with the local Aboriginal business community over two years of genuine partnership.
This is what Buying on Country looks like in action.
The Bundjalung Aboriginal Business Network is the result of a sustained, collaborative effort between NSWICC, Byron Shire Council, and the Aboriginal businesses and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) of the Northern Rivers region.
Over two years, the local Aboriginal business community gave their time, knowledge, and trust to co-design a framework that is truly theirs. The procurement policies and documentation unveiled at the launch reflect that deep community ownership - built from the ground up, not handed down from above.
NSWICC CEO Deb Barwick addressed attendees at the launch, speaking to the significance of the moment and the power of procurement as a lever for genuine economic change.
Procurement is one of the most powerful tools available to any government or organisation. When used with intention, it builds wealth, creates jobs, and drives real inclusion and equity for communities that have historically been excluded from economic opportunity.
The Bundjalung Aboriginal Business Network now gives Aboriginal businesses and ACCOs in the Northern Rivers a formal structure to connect, collaborate, and access real economic opportunities with their local Council. NSWICC and Byron Shire Council will provide ongoing secretariat support to ensure the network continues to grow and thrive.
The launch was also attended by procurement teams from Ballina Shire Council and Tweed Shire Council - a powerful signal that the Northern Rivers region is watching and ready to follow Byron's lead.
NSWICC looks forward to extending this opportunity across the region, building a network of local government partners committed to genuine Indigenous procurement and economic inclusion.
A heartfelt thank you to Mayor Sarah Ndiaye, General Manager Mark Arnold, and the entire Byron Shire Council team for their courage, their open door, and their genuine commitment to this initiative from day one.
And to the Aboriginal businesses and ACCOs who gave their time, knowledge, and trust to co-design this framework - this network belongs to you.
This initiative was made possible through funding from Aboriginal Affairs NSW under Closing the Gap Priority Reform 5, supported by the Hon. Minister David Harris. Thank you for backing this unprecedented initiative.
The event was catered by NSWICC Assured Member Dreamtime Tuka - founded by proud Wiradjuri man Uncle Herb Smith. Guests enjoyed a beautiful spread of native Australian-inspired food, with every product grounded in a deep connection to Country. It was a fitting and delicious way to celebrate Aboriginal culture and community on the day.
Byron is the blueprint. Watch this space.
To learn more about the Buying on Country - Supplying Local Government program, visit buyingoncountry.com.au.
To learn more about NSWICC Assured Member Dreamtime Tuka, visit dreamtimetuka.com.au.