Kooljaman tourism venture named as WA's Indigenous Business of the Year

28/11/98

A tourism venture providing employment and training for Aboriginal people in one of the most remote parts of the state was last night named as Western Australian Indigenous Business of the Year.

Commerce and Trade Minister Hendy Cowan said Kooljaman, a 100 per cent Aboriginal owned holiday accommodation complex at Cape Leveque, set a fine example for Aboriginal involvement in the tourism industry and was a deserving winner of the inaugural award.

"Kooljaman not only provides a remarkable holiday experience for tourists, but actively involves local Aboriginal people in all aspects of the business," Mr Cowan said.

"Involvement of the local Bardi people ranges from story-telling, fishing, dance, singing, arts and crafts; to building, landscaping, equipment operation, coach driving, cooking and administration.

"Many of these skills are being further enhanced through training programs and traineeships offered through Kooljaman."

The project, located 214km north of Broome at the top of the Dampier Peninsula, is a joint venture of the Djarindjin and One Arm Point Aboriginal communities.

Mr Cowan said the State Government was committed to working with indigenous people to help fulfil their aspirations for greater economic independence and improved social circumstances.

The Indigenous Business Awards were established earlier this year to recognise and promote the business achievements of Aboriginal people.

"Many Aboriginal people are now operating businesses ranging from arts and tourism ventures and retail and services outlets to building and maintenance companies, transport and specialist services to mines, farms and stations," he said.

"The awards are a practical way to encourage further participation in the State's economy by Aboriginal people, while also acknowledging those who have already achieved success."

Mr Cowan said Kooljaman also took out the individual award for an indigenous business employing six or more people.

Award winners for businesses with one to five employees were:

·      Perth Metropolitan Area: Gidge Design Studio, a fashion design and graphic art business adapting Aboriginal designs for textiles and clothing;

·      Rural and Regional Centres: Yulella Concrete Works of Meekatharra, producing bulk concrete for house pads and shed floors and concrete products such as slabs and kerbing; and -

·      Remote Areas: Nature's Hideaway of Mid Lagoon, a family owned tourist accommodation and camping facility in the Kimberley.

Mr Cowan said the winners were judged on qualities such as innovation, responsiveness to business challenges and involvement in the community as well as profitability, customer service and staff development.

Mr Cowan said he was pleased to see major business corporations getting behind the awards, with sponsors including Ansett Australia, Argyle Diamonds, Hamersley Iron and the National Australia Bank, the Department of Commerce and Trade, Aboriginal Affairs Department and Western Australian Lotteries Commission.

Media contact: Peter Jackson 9222-9595