On 11 March, NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce (NSWICC) CEO Deb Barwick and Executive Manager – Corporate Services Mette Nordling FGIA attended GovProcure 2026. During the event, Deb joined a panel discussion exploring how procurement teams can overcome some of the most challenging obstacles to partnering with Indigenous suppliers. The discussion focused on moving beyond compliance targets to build sustainable, long-term partnerships with Indigenous businesses.
Key themes included addressing systemic barriers, strengthening supplier capability and ensuring supplier diversity initiatives deliver meaningful community and economic impact.
Deb shared insights from NSWICC’s work supporting Indigenous businesses and engaging buyers to improve procurement practices and create more equitable opportunities across supply chains.
Thank you to GovProcure, moderator Sarah Collins FCIPS (CS), and fellow panellists Fern Lees MCIPS and Daniel O'Halloran for an important discussion on strengthening Indigenous supplier participation.