Meeting space benefits community
An imaginative idea has transformed what was a simple boardroom into a mini-conference centre.
Anne Pearce, the Territory Government’s Small Business Champion for West Arnhem, attended a meeting of the Maningrida Progress Association and heard that the boardroom was too small and lacked proper equipment.
She suggested turning it into a conference room with video technology.
The association loved the idea – and quickly gained support from the Government’s Aboriginal Business Development Program.
The old boardroom is now a smart conference room with catering equipment, new furniture and are designed outside balcony, which can be used as a second meeting place.
Association chief executive Ian McLay says the room will add another stream of income for the community by being leased out.
He says other benefits following the refit include a teleconferencing system enabling community members and office tenants to engage with external stakeholders.
The association runs the community store, Hasty Tasty takeaway outlet, a 10-room motel-style hostel and a fuel service, plus provides support for funeral services and the operation of the airport. It employs 30 staff.
The Aboriginal Business Development Program helps Indigenous people interested in starting or expanding an existing business.
It can help with business growth and sustainability; creating new enterprises; increasing the number of Aboriginal owned and operated businesses; increasing knowledge and skills; creating new employment; and developing new skills.
Successful applicants are given one-on-one support from a Small Business Champion.
Businesses must be at least 50 percent Aboriginal owned and operated.
More information about the Aboriginal Business Development program or other business support programs visit
