OFFSHORE wind developer Star of the South has joined forces with Kinaway Chamber of Commerce to connect Victorian Indigenous businesses to new opportunities in the growing offshore wind industry.
Kinaway is a registered charity which aims to advance Victorian Indigenous businesses with support, advice and by creating opportunities.
Star of the South is working with local suppliers to ensure they are aware and ready for opportunities coming up on the project and across Victoria’s growing offshore wind industry.
Star of the South chief executive Charles Rattray said there are exciting opportunities for Indigenous-owned businesses to get involved from the very beginning of this new industry.
“Local and Indigenous businesses will play an important role in getting Victoria’s first offshore wind farms off the ground,” he said.
“Working with Kinaway will help us find these businesses and promote them to our supply chain.”
Kinaway chief executive Scott McCartney said the organisation was excited to partner with the project and build opportunities for Victorian Indigenous businesses in the offshore wind sector.
“We look forward to seeing our Indigenous businesses participate in this project and beyond,” he said.
“This is just the beginning of what I hope is a long-lasting and valuable partnership between Star of the South and Kinaway.”
Star of the South is taking part in Kinaway events; Sistas in Business held recently in Melbourne, Black Coffee events in Gippsland and the upcoming Deadly in Gippsland, A First Nations Business Expo in Lakes Entrance on May 2 and 3.
The expo will showcase the expertise and talent of Indigenous businesses from the Gippsland region, and connect them to corporate partners, government, government agencies and business support services.
Mr Rattray said the expo will be an opportunity for Indigenous businesses to connect directly with the project and learn more about the industry and opportunities.
“Offshore wind is on our doorstep and it’s important we’ve got locals on board and ready to go,” he said.
“I encourage Indigenous businesses to come along and talk with our team at Deadly in Gippsland to learn more about offshore wind and how to get involved.”
To find out more about the Deadly in Gippsland, A First Nations Business Expo phone Deb O’Reilly on 0497 631 724.
