Aboriginal Economic Development - how we work

Page last updated: Tuesday, 26 September 2023 - 5:03pm

Please note: This content may be out of date and is currently under review.

Project design

Capacity building 

Trainer with three training participants

DPIRD’s AED program unlocks, activates and accelerates opportunities that can lead to increased Aboriginal economic participation. Capacity building enables Aboriginal people to transform these opportunities into stable and self-sustaining entities and careers.

Capacity is built through a broad suite of tailored supports, such as training, coaching, work experience, grants and resources. The focus is on:

  • Corporate governance and leadership skills
  • Tendering for procurement contracts
  • Business scoping and planning
  • Transitioning into alternative business models
  • Entering new industries  
  • Industry-specific skills
  • Job-readiness.

These services are sometimes delivered through initiatives that DPIRD has developed to improve governance and leadership, success in procurement, career development, and the profitability of Aboriginal pastoral properties.

The delivery mechanism for capacity building supports will vary, because every AED project is bespoke to what Aboriginal people want, their needs and where they are located. Supports may be delivered through DPIRD's AED Unit, Regional Development Commissions, external service providers or formal partnership arrangements. 

People, place and culture

Boab trees with landscape

Effective AED projects are those that are bespoke to Aboriginal people, their place and their culture. Projects need to account for the enormous variances between WA's regions and remote communities, and the uniqueness of the culture, knowledge and expertise of Aboriginal people.

People

Where possible AED staff and Aboriginal communities work together on project design and delivery, to ensure they are aligned with their needs and aspirations. Participation will vary, depending on existing relationships between staff and Aboriginal people, how the community wants to be involved, and required collaboration and partnerships. Aboriginal people may also have knowledge, expertise and lived experience that can enhance project design and delivery.

Place

Project design takes into consideration the unique opportunities and challenges of each region and remote area. There are enormous variances related to geography, existing services, infrastructure, and potential partners that will influence accessibility and service delivery.

Culture

AED projects are led by culturally competent DPIRD officers who know how to make projects accessible, trusted and safe for Aboriginal people. Communities will not engage in projects if services and activities are not consistent with their cultural protocols and customs, and suited to their learning styles and ways of working.