Victorian Traditional Owner Economic Development Roadmap Summit: A Collaborative Journey
On March 19-20, the RACV Healesville, on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country, played host to the Victorian Traditional Economic Development Roadmap Summit. This gathering brought together representatives from traditional owner corporations, government, academia, and private enterprise, fostering meaningful dialogue around economic development while honouring the rich cultural heritage of Australia’s First Peoples.
The summit welcomed 63 attendees on the first day, including representation from nine traditional owner corporations, and grew to 115 attendees on day two, showcasing the increasing momentum of this important initiative.
Navigating Challenges with Agility
No event runs entirely to script, and this summit was no exception. During a Zoom presentation, the presenter accidentally switched to ‘Presenter Mode,’ briefly displaying their notes instead of the intended slides. Thanks to solid preparation and quick thinking, our team swiftly shared a backup slide deck in-room, seamlessly syncing with the presenter’s flow on Zoom. The session continued without a hitch, proving once again that adaptability and problem-solving are at the heart of what we do.
A Celebration of Indigenous Connection
Integral to the summit’s success was its thoughtful inclusion of Indigenous elements, reflecting respect and cultural sensitivity:
- Unique Name Tags: Custom-designed name tags that incorporated elements of native flora, symbolizing connection to Country and the natural environment
- Event Styling: Native florals added natural beauty and cultural depth to the space.
- Performances: Guests were treated to moving musical and dance performances by Madi Colville-Walker and Djirri Djirri.
- Ceremonies: The event commenced with a powerful Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony led by Aunty Joy, grounding the summit in connection and respect.
These thoughtful touches served to enrich the summit experience while paying homage to the significance of Indigenous culture and traditions.
Event Feedback
The success of the summit was reflected in the glowing feedback received:
The Victorian Traditional Economic Development Roadmap Summit marked a significant step forward in fostering self-determination and economic independence for First Nations communities. By addressing systemic barriers and celebrating cultural heritage, the summit laid the groundwork for a future where economic justice and opportunity empower all Victorians.
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