Goal 10: Aboriginal income potential is realised

Data Note

The following measures rely on datasets that are infrequently collected. No new data was available at the time of reporting.

• Measure 10.1.1 Victoria’s Aboriginal income as sum of all income earned by Aboriginal workers
• Measure 10.1.2 Opportunity cost: Aboriginal gross income at parity minus actual

Historical data for these measures is available on the First Peoples – State Relations website

Analysis of these measures

Ngarrimili - Empowering First Nations Women in Business

Self-determination Enabler 4. Transfer power and resources to communities

Empowering First Nations Women in Business delivered by Ngarrimili aims to provide business and entrepreneurship support to Aboriginal women located in regional, rural and metropolitan areas to build economic prosperity within their families and communities.

While the proportion of Aboriginal women in employment has steadily increased since 2021, Aboriginal women face distinct barriers to economic participation that are not experienced by all women. Aboriginal women are more likely to be carers, not only to their own children, but to extended family and community members, and are likely to experience racism, discrimination and a lack of cultural safety within the school system. This can impact self-confidence and consequently consideration of post school pathways. Within this context, Ngarrimili seeks to empower Aboriginal women economically by providing business and entrepreneurship support to Aboriginal women across Victoria.

Ngarrimili’s vision is to foster generational wealth and a sustainable First Peoples economy through the development and implementation of programs, frameworks, and strategies that understand and meet the needs of First Peoples businesses, entrepreneurs, creatives, not-for-profit organisations and communities. Ngarrimili has a community vision to conduct business in a way that creates opportunities for First Peoples and communities. This celebrates culture, Country and showcases sustainable practice, supports for young people and fosters generational wealth.

In 2024, Ngarrimili supported more than 40 Aboriginal women business owners, creatives and entrepreneurs. This was achieved through tailored one-to-one support and mentoring. Women were able to attend six workshops focusing on confidence, goal setting, leadership and other transferable skills. All key areas of business development and wellbeing are delivered through a lens of culture and connection.

As part of evaluative reflections from the 2024 participant cohort, it was found that online workshop fatigue was being felt by participants. As a result of this, program delivery was adjusted to focus on face-to-face workshops, including in person business support activations and resources.

The program has created a strong network of Aboriginal women in business, through a culturally safe and wellbeing focused program which recognises the importance of peer-to-peer mentoring. It fostered a supportive environment for Aboriginal women entrepreneurs through targeted, business and mentoring initiatives, helped build confidence in participants and furthered the skills participants needed to pursue employment and establish a small business. It has enabled knowledge sharing, offered mentorship with and within community and furthered job opportunities within communities. The inclusion of cultural supports ensures that participants feel connected to their heritage and identity, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment.