Aboriginal Business Roundtable to Boost Cultural Tourism in NSW

Published on September 7, 2025

The New South Wales (NSW) Aboriginal Business Roundtable is gearing up for its eighth year, once again shining a spotlight on Aboriginal cultural tourism and regional Aboriginal businesses. This year’s theme, Walking Together to Create Cultural Tourism Experiences, is on the agenda for October 9, 2025, at the Murrook Cultural Centre, situated on Worimi Country in beautiful Port Stephens. The meeting serves as a vital hub where Aboriginal entrepreneurs and tourism operators can weigh up fresh possibilities and connect with tourism sector leaders.

Originally scheduled for July, the gathering was postponed due to the severe weather hitting the coast, move that shows the resilience ingrained in our Aboriginal business community. The good news is that that the Roundtable is now a go, remains free and open, exclusively for Aboriginal business leaders, operators, and anyone who cares about promoting Aboriginal cultural tourism. Participants can count on a day packed with practical, actionable debates, valuable networking chances, and a genuinely open atmosphere for sharing strategies, all aimed at driving the Aboriginal tourism sector forward with lasting impact.

A Focus on Aboriginal Cultural Tourism

With Aboriginal cultural tourism gaining momentum in Australia, the NSW Government continues its commitment to advancing Aboriginal economic prosperity. The state is focused on Reform 5, a Closing the Gap priority reform aimed at boosting Aboriginal economic growth, creating jobs, and nurturing Aboriginal businesses. This roundtable is an essential part of these efforts, bringing together business owners, government representatives, and private sector leaders to collaborate on enhancing Aboriginal tourism experiences in NSW.

The event’s theme aligns with Indigenous Business Month, which celebrates “strength through collaboration.” The discussions will center on how to create new pathways for Aboriginal businesses, increase the appeal of Aboriginal cultural tourism in NSW, and empower Aboriginal entrepreneurs, particularly in regional areas.

Keynote Speakers and Panel Discussions

The roundtable will feature notable speakers, including the Chair of the NSW Aboriginal Tourism Operators Council, Yuin-Ngarrug man Dwayne Bannon-Harrison. He will deliver the keynote address, sharing insights into the importance of Aboriginal tourism and its positive impact on Aboriginal communities across the state.

The Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, David Harris, will also address participants, offering insights into the NSW Aboriginal Business Taskforce and the Roadmap for Aboriginal Business Growth. These initiatives are central to the government’s strategy for supporting Aboriginal businesses and creating lasting economic empowerment.

Additionally, a panel discussion will feature key industry leaders, including Phil Lockyer, Head of Indigenous Affairs at Tourism Australia, and Andrew Smith, CEO of the Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council and Sand Dune Adventures. The panel will explore ways to strengthen partnerships between Aboriginal tourism operators and the broader tourism sector, with a focus on enhancing visitor experiences and fostering growth in the industry.

Boosting Regional Aboriginal Businesses

The roundtable will focus on four primary themes: creating new pathways for business, promoting Aboriginal cultural tourism in NSW, encouraging collaboration across the industry, and empowering regional Aboriginal businesses. These discussions will help identify actionable strategies that can be used to drive economic growth and create sustainable tourism opportunities for Aboriginal communities.

According to a recent report from Tourism Research Australia, NSW leads the nation in domestic overnight trips that incorporate First Nations activities. This trend highlights a growing interest among both locals and tourists in learning more about Aboriginal cultures and histories, often through engaging with Aboriginal businesses and tourism operators.

The roundtable presents an invaluable opportunity for Aboriginal business owners to share experiences, discuss procurement opportunities, and learn from other successful operators in the industry. By strengthening connections and sharing best practices, participants will be better equipped to create enriching cultural experiences for visitors while simultaneously supporting the growth of their own businesses.

How to Participate

The NSW Aboriginal Business Roundtable will be held on October 9, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Murrook Cultural Centre in Williamtown. The event will be accessible in-person for local participants, while those unable to attend physically can join the discussions via an online livestream.

This event is part of the state’s ongoing efforts to celebrate Indigenous business achievements and to enhance the role of Aboriginal enterprises in the tourism sector. Attendees will have the chance to network with peers, learn from industry leaders, and participate in discussions aimed at shaping the future of Aboriginal cultural tourism.

For those interested in attending, registrations are now open. Aboriginal business owners and operators can sign up via the official NSW Government website to secure their place at the roundtable.

Overview

The upcoming Aboriginal Business Roundtable is set to be a major opportunity for driving growth in Aboriginal enterprises, especially those in tourism. Emphasizing cultural tourism, teamwork, and the empowerment of regional Aboriginal operations, the gathering will deliver key insights and help build a more inclusive tourism sector across NSW. The event also shows the NSW Government’s steady dedication to boosting Aboriginal economic growth while preparing the market for ongoing success.

If you own or manage an Aboriginal tourism venture, register for this vital roundtable and play your part in strengthening Aboriginal cultural tourism in NSW. Your voice is important to the industry’s future.