Small Aboriginal tourism operators in remote Australia face challenges in remaining viable and connected due to an inadequate support system. A research project asked Aboriginal operators what support they need. It found issues like insufficient training, resources, and industry support. The research highlighted indigenous knowledge and had operators involved from start to finish. It identified cultural strengths and opportunities to better support operators through local networking, enterprise clustering models, and reconciliation tourism based on tradition. Improved support is needed through stronger Aboriginal representation, culturally appropriate training, and adjusted funding guidelines.

1. We need to stop small Aboriginal tourism operators from
getting lost in the Outback
Dr. Damien Jacobsen
Principal Research Leader
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism Product Project
Cooperative Research Centre for Remote Economic Participation
Southern Cross University, Australia

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Approximately 130 small Aboriginal operators in remote Australia
Running a business helps people to:
Remain on country to protect, maintain and share
Keep culture, family and communities strong
Create opportunities now and for the next generation
Setting the scene:

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Small Aboriginal tourism operators get lost

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Inadequate enabling environment
Insufficient and/or inappropriate
Agency support Training resources
Pool of knowledge & research Tourism industry support

9. Our tourism project:
Asked Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people what they want
Highlighted knowledge and expertise instead of deficit
Worked closely with operators from start to finish…and beyond
Replicated cultural practice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
learning from each other
Strengthened link between research and grass roots
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Towards a better enabling environment

10. Towards a better enabling environment: introducing
some of our projects
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Staying connected
Project: Small business networking in the Outback
Key findings: Localised variability; complex and diverse; market
opportunities; inadequate industry/agency support; cultural strength
Walking together
Project: Aboriginal ways of enterprise clustering
Key findings: Principles Aboriginalise Western business concepts; small
business competitiveness; grass roots representation
Cultural ways for stronger business
Project: Reconciliation tourism based on cultural tradition
Key findings: Market-driven; complicated social encounters; enterprise
diversity; strong cultural guidance

11. Where to from here?
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Strong Aboriginal representation in tourism
National and state industry bodies, regional clusters
Aboriginal business knowledge
Applied research, theory, practice
Appropriate training resources
Practical knowledge, learning from each other,
mode of delivery
Redefine funding guidelines
Fundamentals, cluster coordination, enterprise
diversity

12. Thank you!
Please visit: http://crc-rep.com/
Information about this work is available on our website
Contact Details:
Dr Damien Jacobsen
Phone: 02 6620 3042
E-mail: damien.jacobsen@nintione.com.au
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