About The Conference

The Outback Café - Native Australian Cuisine

Yulkuum-Jerrang
The 2nd Indigenous Economic Development Conference
27 - 29 May 2009, The Sebel Albert Park

This Conference is the second Indigenous Economic Development Forum to be hosted in Melbourne. It follows on from the successful, inaugural KBN Indigenous Economic Development Conference held in 2007. It will provide key stakeholders who have an interest in and involvement with Indigenous economic development and business growth with an opportunity to share perspectives and increase opportunities for doing business.

The three-day program will bring together Indigenous entrepreneurs and the broader Indigenous business community, government agencies, the academic community, community based organisations, the corporate sector and the wider business community to:

  • explore new and innovative opportunities in the field of Indigenous economic development
  • stimulate business growth and employment within the Indigenous community through cooperation, networking and sharing business and industry information
  • celebrate the successes and learn valuable insights from Indigenous entrepreneurs and business operators
  • provide showcasing opportunities for Indigenous businesses
  • challenge delegates to improve the current landscape leading to increased Indigenous participation in Victoria’s and Australia’s vibrant economies
  • discuss how economic empowerment can overcome Indigenous disadvantage
  • increase knowledge about investment and financing opportunities
  • facilitate learning opportunities through business workshops, and
  • provide a platform for the voices of Indigenous youth.

Welcome

I take pleasure in inviting you to participate in Yulkuum-Jerrang, the second Indigenous Economic Development Conference, which will be held in Melbourne from Wednesday May 27 to Friday May 29, 2009. I extend this invitation on behalf of the Koori Business Network (KBN), the Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development, the KBN Conference Organising Committee, and the Conference organisers, Conference Works.

The Conference, incorporating an Indigenous business trade fair, Gala dinner, the Victorian Indigenous Business Excellence Awards, and a youth forum, will be held at The Sebel Hotel Albert Park, located in close proximity to Melbourne’s leading attractions, including the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the city shopping precinct, museums, Federation Square, Southbank and other exciting precincts. A welcome reception event will be held on the evening of 27 May 2009.

The Conference builds on the success of the inaugural forum held in 2007. This event witnessed the first gathering in Victoria of key stakeholders to discuss Indigenous economic development opportunities. The diverse program, which also showcased many emerging and established Victorian Indigenous businesses, received accolades from all attendees. This support, along with the continued interest and growth in the Indigenous business sector has resulted in the programming of this second conference.

The theme of the Conference is Growing Our Future. The Conference emphasises innovation, research, networking and entrepreneurship, creating jobs and facilitating business improvement and partnership opportunities amongst the many stakeholders, including the corporate sector, responsible for furthering Indigenous economic development. Indigenous entrepreneurs and business stakeholders, community groups, government agencies, the academic community and the private sector should all consider participating in this visionary forum. While the focus of the Conference will be the State of Victoria, I encourage participation from around Australia and the world.

Ms Esmai Manahan
Manager
Koori Business Network

Koori Business Network

The Koori Business Network (KBN) is the Victorian Government's lead agency in the growth and promotion of Indigenous economic development. As a unit of the Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development, the KBN was established to facilitate the development and sustainability of a dynamic and diverse Indigenous business sector in Victoria and has been facilitating success with Indigenous Victorians in business since its inception in 1999.

KBN Website www.business.vic.gov.au/kooribusiness

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