The program will focus on support and tailored mentoring to strengthen capability, competitiveness and long-term sustainability.

RRKAC, through its commercial arm, Robe River Services (RRS) has identified 16 member businesses to receive support. The businesses offer a wide range of products and services, and while all RRKAC members, they are widely spread across regional WA.

RRKAC has engaged Aboriginal support agency Morrgul to deliver the program. Morrgul is a not-for-profit Aboriginal owned and run business. It brings extensive experience in this field, having delivered similar services across regional Western Australia for more than a decade.

Chair of Robe River Kuruma Aboriginal Corporation, and RRS Director, Kelly Slattery said the program will help businesses fulfil their potential.

“We know that there can be gaps in capability and capacity that hinder business. This program will assist people fill those gaps in areas like strategic business planning, financial literacy and access to funding, plus innovation, marketing and customer engagement,” said Ms Slattery.

Morrgul will work to individually assess each business to determine the current maturity level and identify gaps. Morrgul will tailor an Individual Business Development Plan that targets the most critical needs for growth and sustainability.

Morrgul CEO Patrick Le Lievre said getting to know the business would be vital.

“We will create a unique program, delivered personally, through a combination of workshops and individual mentoring,” said Mr Le Lievre.

MinRes General Manager Environment and Heritage, Celine Mangan, emphasised the importance of creating ongoing opportunities for support.

“We are committed to developing and maintaining strong, lasting relationships with Traditional Owners across the lands where we operate. We’re proud to partner with RRKAC and Morrgul to bring this initiative to life.

Kelly Slattery said Robe River Kuruma People have the energy and passion to grow successful businesses.

“This exciting program should help them develop rapidly by identifying practical steps to accelerate their businesses. We are fortunate to have the support of Min Res and the input of Morrgul to make it happen.”