Northern Rivers Aboriginal businesses are encouraged to attend the 2024 ‘Gather and Grow’ information and networking session in Lismore on how to access government procurement opportunities. 

Seven sessions are being held across New South Wales starting in April and ending at the end of June by NSW Treasury and Regional NSW, with the next event on Wednesday, 12 June in Lismore, to bring together stakeholders to make connections, share information and support the growth of Aboriginal businesses. 

The ‘Gather and Grow’ events support the NSW Government’s Aboriginal Procurement Policy (APP). The APP targets one per cent of NSW Government procurement spend to be with Aboriginal businesses and three per cent of goods and services contracts from NSW Government agencies to be awarded to Aboriginal businesses. This is valued at over $260 million this financial year. 

The APP aims to increase Aboriginal economic participation across NSW. 

The ‘Gather and Grow’ sessions unite NSW Government buyers, Aboriginal businesses, non-Aboriginal businesses, support services, and prospective job seekers, all aimed at fostering the growth of Aboriginal businesses.  

Between July 2022 and June 2023, the targets of $166 million and 213 goods and services contracts were exceeded with $354.2 million spent, and 619 contracts awarded to Aboriginal businesses. 

This year's ‘Gather and Grow’ events are being held in Dubbo, Queanbeyan, Nowra, Wagga Wagga, Gunnedah, Lismore, and Maitland. To attend, interested stakeholders need to register at Aboriginal businesses Gather and Grow events | info.buy.nsw. 

NSW Treasury Deputy Secretary Sonya Campbell said, “The ‘Gather and Grow’ events present a valuable opportunity to make connections for Aboriginal businesses across the state, foster collaboration, and advance opportunities to access government procurement. 

“We are hosting seven ‘Gather and Grow’ events around the state to reach as many businesses as possible. 

“The ‘Gather and Grow’ is an impactful initiative dedicated to empowering Aboriginal businesses and welcomes all interested parties to participate.”