Marri Burrung Aboriginal Corporation

Marri Burrung Aboriginal Corporation is a not-for-profit organisation based in the Shoalhaven region of New South Wales, established in 2019. It is led by First Nations people, with a team that includes both Indigenous and non-Indigenous members, all committed to fostering inclusion, cultural awareness, and sustainable development within the local Aboriginal community. The organisation operates with a strong focus on transparency, sustainability, and creating pathways from training to employment, particularly through initiatives that celebrate and preserve Aboriginal culture.

Mission and Vision

The mission of Marri Burrung Aboriginal Corporation is to empower the local Aboriginal community by developing Indigenous business opportunities and supporting initiatives that promote cultural tourism, education, and economic independence. Its vision is to transform the paradigm for Aboriginal people in the Shoalhaven by providing the planning, organisation, and logistical support needed for sustainable cultural and business activities. A key part of this vision is the establishment of a local cultural and education centre in Central Nowra, which would serve as a hub for cultural tourism, hospitality training, and business administration.

Main Objectives

• Develop and support Indigenous-led business initiatives and social enterprises.
• Provide training and employment pathways for Aboriginal youth and adults.
• Promote and preserve Aboriginal culture and heritage through education and tourism.
• Foster community engagement and cultural awareness among both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
• Build a sustainable future for the local Aboriginal community through collaboration and innovation.

Benefiting Groups

Marri Burrung Aboriginal Corporation primarily serves the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities of the Shoalhaven region. Its programs and initiatives are designed to benefit people of all ages, from early childhood through to adult education and employment. The organisation also engages with the broader community, including local businesses, schools, and tourists, to promote mutual understanding and respect.

Types of Services and Activities

• Education and training: Programs span early childhood development, school support, vocational training, and higher education, with a focus on equipping participants with skills for employment in growing sectors such as tourism and hospitality.
• Cultural tourism: Through initiatives like BluRoo Projects, the corporation offers cultural experiences such as Aboriginal art exhibitions, bush tucker demonstrations, and performances by local dancers and storytellers.
• Community development: Activities include capacity-building workshops, social enterprise development, and events that celebrate Aboriginal culture and foster community cohesion.
• Business support: Assistance with the establishment and growth of Aboriginal-owned businesses, including mentoring, networking, and access to resources.

By integrating cultural preservation with economic opportunity, Marri Burrung Aboriginal Corporation plays a vital role in strengthening the social and economic fabric of the Shoalhaven’s Aboriginal community, while also enriching the cultural life of the region as a whole.