Trade fair opens doors for Aboriginal businesses in the North-West

• Karratha trade fair provides Aboriginal businesses with exposure to new opportunities
• Increasing Aboriginal business participation on State Government projects to support WA jobs 
• Key component of Water Corporation's Reconciliation Action Plan

Water Minister Dave Kelly today officially opened Water Corporation's first Aboriginal business trade fair in Karratha, aimed at creating greater workforce diversity in the State's North-West.

Water Corporation partnered with Supply Nation and the National Indigenous Australians Agency to hold the Regional Indigenous Business Trade Fair – North West, dedicated to Aboriginal-owned and operated businesses.

The trade fair was an opportunity for Aboriginal suppliers to connect with corporate and government organisations to identify new partnerships and business opportunities.

A total of 25 Aboriginal business from across the Pilbara and Kimberley showcased their skills and services at the event.

A number of different industries were represented, including building and construction, catering, cleaning, education and training, landscaping, facilities management, and travel and tourism.

Water Corporation remains committed to developing partnerships with Aboriginal suppliers across the State as a key part of its 2019-21 Reconciliation Action Plan and has set a three per cent progressive procurement target by 2021.

More information at: https://www.watercorporation.com.au 

Comments attributed to Water Minister Dave Kelly:

"The Regional Indigenous Supplier Trade Fair 2019 is the first of its kind for the North-West, and seeks to encourage Aboriginal economic development and employment in the region.

"This strongly supports our 'Buy Local' policy, and in a competitive marketplace the trade fair is the perfect forum for Aboriginal suppliers to gain exposure and growth opportunities.

"The McGowan Government is committed to ensuring wherever possible, money spent by the State is used to support local businesses and create new jobs for Western Australians.

"I congratulate the Water Corporation and their partners on putting together this great initiative. It is encouraging to see how much positive interest has been generated."

Comments attributed to Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:

"The Regional Indigenous Supplier Trade Fair 2019 is a fantastic opportunity for local Aboriginal businesses to engage with the public and private sector to unlock further Aboriginal economic development across the Pilbara and Kimberley.

"It is excellent that the impact of the McGowan Government's Aboriginal Procurement Policy continues to be overwhelmingly positive for our local North-West Aboriginal businesses."