21 May Charles Sturt University Engages with Communities to Build Strength
Walan Mayinygu is one of three Charles Sturt University (CSU) projects that are part of the Department of Industry’s (DOI) Boosting Business Innovation program. Walan Mayinygu specifically is an Indigenous entrepreneurship pop up hub program that is set to take place across four regions in New South Wales throughout 2017/2018 including Central and Far West (Dubbo), South East (Albury), Mid North Coast (Port Macquarie) and The Northern Rivers (Lismore).
Named by Uncle Stan Grant Snr, Walan Mayinygu means “strong for people” in the Wiradjuri language. Uncle Stan Grant Snr emphasised how important it is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to be not only strong for their people, but strong within their communities. This is a key message that will be incorporated into each pop up hub.
Walan Mayinygu has been developed through long term engagement through the Indigenous business sector by Aboriginal woman and Project Lead, CSU’s Associate Professor in Leadership, Dr Michelle Evans. Alongside Dr Evans is Project Director Mayrah Sonter (33 Creative) and Project Officer Bree Jeffries (CSU) have formed and are working with local advisory committees to ensure the most appropriate goals and outcomes are achieved with each community. The first of the pop up hubs is scheduled for Monday 28 August through to Friday 1 September at the Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre.
The Walan Mayinygu team will engage with communities to develop programs best suited to the region and will comprise of business masterclasses, workshops, youth programs and innovation expos lead by CSU and Melbourne Business School Academic staff and most importantly, prosperous Indigenous entrepreneurs.
Walan Mayinygu also welcomes another major partner, Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) that will work together with both CSU and DOI to strengthen the Indigenous entrepreneurial sector across regional New South Wales.
This is just one way in which CSU is working with and by our communities to develop real outcomes.