Record crowd celebrates and creativity at Illawarra Indigenous Business Expo
Local entrepreneurs, artists, and makers showcased the strength of the region’s First Nations business community.
Local First Nations entrepreneurs took centre stage at the Illawarra Indigenous Business Expo on Friday, as more than 400 people packed the Novotel North Wollongong to celebrate the region’s growing Indigenous business community.
Held on Dharawal Country, more than 60 First Nations-owned businesses showcased their products and services, the largest number since the event began. From handmade crafts to national-scale service providers, the expo reflected the diversity and strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander enterprise across the Illawarra.
Many visitors said they came not just to network but also to start their Christmas shopping early by supporting First Nations businesses.
The stalls were filled with jewellery, art, textiles, skincare, and unique handmade gifts, as well as service providers like FLW Connect, Blak Cede Catering and Bars Behind Me.
Wiradjuri woman Ruby Craig was among the new stallholders, selling handmade hair ties and crafts for her business, Little Loops & Love Co.
“I picked up a sewing machine about a year and a half ago and just kept going,” she said. “This is my first stall. I’ve already been networking a lot without even meaning to - it’s been really great for getting to know people and building my business.”
For Biripi woman Machelle Duncan and her daughter Samantha, who run Biripi Girlz, the expo was a chance to learn and connect.
“I’ve been selling paintings online for years, but this is our first expo,” Duncan said. “There are people here we’ve already met who’ll definitely be able to help us if we want to take things further.”
Long-established businesses were also on show, including Tagteam, an electrical compliance testing company founded 22 years ago.
Chris Willebrands said the business was keen to share its learnings with new, up-and-coming Indigenous organisations. “It’s all about being part of the Indigenous environment and culture,” he said.
Event organiser Gemma Lloyd, a Dunghutti and Gumbangyir woman and founder of Sacred Country Consulting, said the record turnout demonstrated the region’s thriving Indigenous business network.
“Today, we have over 60 First Nations businesses showcasing,” she said. “Each and every one of those businesses is proof that when culture and commerce come together, we create something powerful, something that not only drives our economy but uplifts our community. When we connect, collaborate, and celebrate together, we build futures grounded in culture, strength, and self-determination.”
Dharawal Elder Uncle Richard Davis encouraged visitors to explore and support local First Nations enterprises.
“Have a great day,” he said. “Have a look at all the Aboriginal businesses - yes, we do have Aboriginal businesses operating. It makes me very happy as a former business advisor to see so many in this room.”
The Illawarra Indigenous Business Network and Wollongong City Council run the expo in 2023 and 2024, with 2025 being the first year the event has been run by a First Nations business.
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