AIME: A platform to grow business for Burgess and his people

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

It has been 235 years since invasion day in Australia, and we are experiencing the first generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander entrepreneurs, service providers and business owners.

John Burgess, a proud Gurindji man and CEO director of Little Rocket, relishes being part of ‘Generation One’.

The expression of this label speaks to the Australian federal and state government that have allowed and supported Indigenous work after the stolen generation.

AIME has given Burgess and his people the platform to grow their business and educate others on how they can involve the Indigenous community into their own work opportunities.

Burgess implores business and event directors to create employment pathways by involving local indigenous businesses in their event, as they offer a variety of talent, uniqueness and culture.

It is estimated Indigenous events among tourism will be worth $65.16 billion by 2035.

“People want to be shown the Country by aboriginal leaders, not the basic landmarks such as the Eiffel tower,” said Burgess. “Spear fishing tours, emergence on country, visceral experiences in this space”.

Travel industry leader, Freni Violan, states the Northern Territory offers an experience like no other. Representatives from the upper North to the centre of Australia describe the pristine and unique adventures and escapades offered solely by the Northern Territory.

“Different in every sense for business events” is their slogan.

The Northern Territory has the highest Indigenous population in all of Australia, and Violan explains each event embraces the culture which has occupied the Australian mainland for at least 65,000 years.

Violan describes the Northern Territory as a “bucket list destination” as the location offers cultural experiences other states of Australia cannot.

They also pride themselves on their inclusion of Indigenous businesses and individuals within their event management and work opportunities.

This includes sourcing the artwork for their branding and products from local and Indigenous businesses.

“Definitely over the years regarding the Indigenous culture everyone has been more aware of it and respectful of it” said Violan.

It is Violan’s sixth year at AIME and she plans to join the Northern Territory Business Events at the event in future years, as they represent the whole of the Northern Territory.

“Unless we’re here it’s not going to be talked about,” said Violan.

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