that complements corporate structures, blending accountability and spirituality in equal measure. “Cultural safety isn’t a checkbox,” he says. “It’s how we live, lead, and serve — every decision, every conversation, every partnership is grounded in that cultural responsibility.” AWABAKAL ENTERPRISES: BUILDING SOCIO-ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT One of Awabakal’s most exciting growth areas is Awabakal Enterprises, a registered social enterprise focused on community housing and economic empowerment. Through this arm, the organization is helping Aboriginal families move from disadvantage to opportunity — exploring pathways for home ownership, small business creation, and long-term financial independence. “We’re redefining what self-determination looks like in a modern context,” Smith notes. “Awabakal Enterprises is not just about bricks and mortar — it’s about building pathways to prosperity.” PARTNERSHIPS THAT POWER PROGRESS Partnership has always been central to Awabakal’s story. From its earliest years, the organization’s founders engaged with both Aboriginal and nonAboriginal allies — from government ministers to local business owners — to advance health, housing, and education. That philosophy endures today through a robust network of partnerships with local, regional, and state stakeholders, as well as through formal Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) and Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) collaborations. “Our non-Aboriginal partners play a vital role,” Smith says.“We invite them to walk with us — to co-design, to collaborate, and to invest in a shared journey toward equity and sustainability.” The organization is currently seeking further capital 95 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 07, ISSUE 10 AWABAKAL
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