First Peoples strategy is growing businesses and jobs

Since 2022, Yuma Yirramboi has supported First Peoples to start and grow businesses, build skills and develop careers.

It is our flagship strategy to help achieve economic parity for First Peoples within a generation.

The Yuma Yirramboi Achievements Report shows what the strategy has supported from 2023 to June 2026.

The report highlights positive results, including new regional hubs to help Traditional Owners plan and lead their own economic success.

Nine Aboriginal Economic Hubs have been or will be established across regional Victoria. They help to shape the identity, growth and overall economic wellbeing of First Peoples communities.

The report also shows the strategy has supported almost 70 First Peoples businesses to go on trade missions to Europe, New Zealand and the United States. These trips have helped businesses reach new markets and promote Victoria overseas.

The strategy has prioritised training, mentoring and job placements. This is helping First Peoples gain skills, find rewarding work and build careers.

Other key achievements include:

• the First Peoples Tourism Plan for Victoria 2025–2030, growing cultural tourism and creating new visitor opportunities across regional Victoria
• work with the Kinaway Chamber of Commerce and sponsorship of the Annual Victorian Aboriginal Business Awards
• funding for dedicated Economic Development Coordinators across Victoria to provide local support for economic and business development.

The Yuma Yirramboi Council’s Koori Caucus led the development of the strategy and provided ongoing accountability and direction.

The Victorian Government has invested $33.6 million in this work.

The achievements report shows the strategy is creating opportunities for economic growth. It is helping ensure policy and investment reflect community priorities and self-determination for First Peoples.

Find out more in the Yuma Yirramboi Achievements Report.