This week, the New South Wales Indigenous Chamber of Commerce (NSWICC) was proud to join regional leaders, stakeholders, and government representatives at the Newcastle Racecourse to celebrate a monumental milestone: the 140th Anniversary of Business Hunter. The event was attended by NSW Premier Chris Minns, and NSWICC Chief Executive Officer Deb Barwick was honoured to be invited by Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes to deliver the Acknowledgement of Country and opening remarks - a fitting recognition of the deep and enduring connection between First Nations peoples and the land on which this celebration took place.
A proud Gomoroi Yinaar and founder of Australia's first Indigenous Chamber of Commerce, Deb grounded the celebration in the rich, enduring history of enterprise on Awabakal and Worimi Country. She reminded the audience that long before colonisation, Indigenous peoples were negotiating agreements, sharing knowledge, and building economic relationships across vast distances.
"That spirit of enterprise is in our blood."
Deb's remarks were a powerful reminder that the foundations of trade and commerce in the Hunter region do not begin with 140 years of recorded history - they span thousands of generations.
While congratulating Business Hunter on 140 years of regional advocacy and connection, Deb also reflected on NSWICC's own significant milestone in 2026: 20 years of strengthening Indigenous business across New South Wales. She painted a compelling picture of the Indigenous business sector today, noting that the NSWICC network now represents over 500 Indigenous-owned member businesses. Together, these enterprises generate over $2.3 billion annually into the NSW economy and sustain more than 8,000 jobs - supplying diverse markets locally, nationally, and internationally.
"Indigenous people and communities are not a dependent people or a problem to be managed. We are entrepreneurs and innovators, we are employers, and we are resilient partners in building the future of this state we call NSW today."
In a poignant moment of her address, Deb invited the room to imagine a different history - one in which the first encounters on Australian shores 256 years ago had been grounded in genuine respect for local knowledge, listening, sharing, and inclusion, rather than an intent to claim and conquer.
"Imagine if it was Chris Minns who landed here instead of Captain Cook."
The remark acknowledged the Premier's recent leadership on social cohesion, respect, and rejecting the politics of division. Deb affirmed that the Indigenous business sector stands firmly behind leadership that works to build a more inclusive and prosperous New South Wales - because we are fundamentally stronger together.
The event also featured a special and deeply meaningful presentation by NSWICC Assured Member Saretta Fielding, Artistic and Managing Director of Saretta Art and Design. Saretta gifted Premier Minns a stunning canvas print of her artwork, 'How Coal was Made'. The piece beautifully depicts an Awabakal Dreaming story about the volcanic origins of coal in the Redhead area. According to the story, a great darkness once covered the land following a volcanic eruption (Kintiiyirapiin). The elders guided the people to cover the darkness with rocks, sand, branches, and bark. As generations walked upon it, the earth, flames, and darkness were pressed together to create coal - known as 'nikin' in the Awabakal language. The artwork served as a profound cultural gift, linking the region's industrial heritage with its ancient First Nations history.
NSWICC extends its sincere thanks to Bob Hawes and the entire Business Hunter team for the invitation to participate in such a significant occasion. We look forward to continuing to advocate for one another, learning together, and ensuring that the future of business in the Hunter region is defined by respect, inclusion, and shared success.
Event photography by AJM Photography.