Twelve months after attending the Illawarra Indigenous Business Expo as an observer, Rebecca McLean returned with her own business.
The Awabakal woman was among the owners of 67 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses showcasing their products and services at the Novotel North Wollongong, as the annual event returned for its fourth year.
McLean and her brother bought Thirroul-based The Niche Nursery a year ago when its retiring owner offered them an opportunity they couldn’t resist.
Since then, they have worked to clear weeds, clean up the site and build a nursery focused on edible and native plants.
Drawing on her teaching background, McLean has introduced workshops, co-authored a book with her daughter and is working to include more Dharawal language on the nursery’s signage.
“It’s just been an absolute place of healing,” she said.
“Every day is magical because I get kind words, encouragement, community members donate plants and pots and all sorts of things.”
Returning to the expo as a stallholder marked a milestone.
“I came here last year just as an observer. And it gave me absolute goosebumps,” she said.
“I’m actually still pinching myself.”
Her experience reflects the connections organisers hope will grow from an event that began with 30 businesses in 2023.
Yuin Walbunja Migaay woman Maiquilla Brown owns Bimbala Collective, which organised this year’s event.
She said exhibitors ranged from artists and makers to businesses providing plumbing, electrical and transport services. Newcomers included Niche Nurseries and a wedding celebrant.
Held during Indigenous Business Month, the expo gives businesses a free opportunity to showcase their work.
Major sponsors Wollongong City Council, Curijo, Illawarra Aboriginal Corporation and Novotel Wollongong helped fund the event, allowing First Nations businesses to exhibit free of charge.
Brown, who also runs weaving business Njurgun Nangamai, has experienced the event as an Aboriginal community development worker in local government, a business participant and now its organiser.
“So, to now come back in the fourth year and to be running it is pretty crazy,” she said.
Wollongong Lord Mayor Councillor Tania Brown said the event had grown substantially and transitioned from being council-run to being delivered by an Indigenous business, with council support.
“The networking opportunity here is paramount,” she said.
“It’s nice to see returning businesses coming back year after year and saying how helpful it was.”