Hub for the future: Ngarrimili to open training and retail centre in Geelong

A HUB under construction in central Geelong will become a centre for “Black excellence”, according to the team that is making it happen.

Geelong West-based business support organisation Ngarrimili has received a $850,000 grant from the Victorian government to establish a cultural hub at the Westfield Geelong Shopping Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The cultural hub will take the form of a retail shop front and feature a cafe for training and employment opportunities, while also serving as a co-working space for Aboriginal people to grow their businesses and seek employment assistance.

The retail store will also sell and showcase local First Nations businesses and their products, from clothing to skin care.

Minister for Employment Jaala Pulford and Geelong MP Christine Couzens visited the hub on Thursday last week for a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony.

Ngarrimili chief executive officer Cormach Evans and Arranyinha director Marsha Uppill both spoke about the positive example the hub would set.

“I think it’s an amazing opportunity to be able to have this moment today for the start of the journey of this space,” Mr Evans said.

He said Ngarrimili had supported more than 1,000 businesses to date, with 83 per cent of the turnover going back to the First Nations community in Victoria, and the hub would help drive that percentage towards 100 per cent.

“The space is safe for First Nations people here in Geelong to access and thrive, but also for other First Nations businesses across Victoria and also across the country.

“It will create employment opportunities, training pathways and business pathways for young people, for elders, for everyone in the community here through the retail store.”

Ms Uppill said the hub had enormous potential.

“What you’re seeing today is the space and some of the ideas of how it’s going to look, but what you’re not seeing is what is actually going to happen here.

“And so today when the smoke’s around you, have an opportunity to have a look around, close your eyes and feel what the presence will be like when this atmosphere is absolutely booming with Black excellence, which is what Cormach always says.

“It’s such an amazing opportunity not just for us but for our community and for our generations to come – not just Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island kids, but all of our kids.”

Ms Couzens welcomed the funding announcement.

“Aboriginal community control is vital to improving employment outcomes and I’m proud the government is doing that here in Geelong through this type of self-determination focused engagement,” she said.