Wirra Hub Kwinana Regional Pop Up Success

Indigenous businesses owners and entrepreneurs joined with industry leaders to discuss partnership opportunities at a Kwinana Regional Business Hub hosted by the Wirrpanda Foundation’s Wirra Hub this week (14 September).

Guests heard from Wirra Hub business coaches about the support the organisation can offer existing and emerging businesses and then from representatives from Alcoa, ADCO Constructions and Civmec about the organisations’ commitment to working with Indigenous businesses and upcoming opportunities.

30 Indigenous business people attended the event representing varied skills and capabilities including mechanical maintenance, electrical services, recruitment resources and hospitality.

Wirra Hub General Manager Shane Devitt said it was inspiring to see so many successful Indigenous business owners in the room and he was excited to see opportunities blossoming with companies like Alcoa.

The event was made possible with the support of Alcoa’s global charity, the Alcoa Foundation, which is providing funding for the Wirra Hub to deliver nine business pop-ups in areas near where the resources company operates. Another two will be delivered in the Kwinana area over the next year.

Alcoa Global Procurement Director Adrian Jones outlined several opportunities available for Indigenous businesses with Alcoa, which mines bauxite and refines alumina in the south west of the state.

Mr Jones said Alcoa was committed to increasing economic participation for Indigenous Australians through both business and employment opportunities.

“Guided by our Reconciliation Action Plan, we are committed to working with Indigenous businesses to create meaningful partnerships and connections.” he said.

Justin Rozario, of Connect Site Services, said the support provided by Wirra Hub and events like this one had helped his development as a business owner.

“Wirra Hub has given me the confidence to be in situations where I would normally feel out of my element. Being here today with Wirra Hub makes me feel really comfortable and supported, creating a good opportunity to speak to people and companies that could help my business,” Mr Rozario said.

“I have been given a lot of insight into the tendering process, contracts and shareholder agreement, so it has really opened my mind to things I should be aware of when starting out,” he said.

To find out more or to register for the upcoming pop-ups visit www.wirrahub.org.au