Indigenous Enterprise Partnerships

The Indigenous community of 6,000 in the Goulburn-Murray region (encompassing Shepparton, Echuca and Cummeragunja) is the largest Indigenous population in Victoria outside of Melbourne.

The community is situated in a relatively prosperous region in Victoria. Despite this, they face a number of challenges

• Around 50% of Indigenous people don't participate in the labour market.  Of those that do, in excess of 25% are unemployed;
• Only 13% of school age children complete Year 12 – half that of the mainstream community;
• The large youth population lack connectedness, and feel isolated from the mainstream community.

Amongst these challenges, IEP and its Corporate Partners identified a number of positive characteristics:

• Strong, passionate leadership who were looking to break out
• A clear emphasis on youth, through the Rumbalara Football and Netball club (RFNC)
• The presence of a number of other well organised Indigenous organisations
• A large number of activities already underway – but in need of some additional advice and resource

While only establishing a presence in the region in early 2006, IEP is already making strong contributions with assistance in

• Supporting the Rumbalara Football and Netball Club and the Koori Information and Resource Centre in development of well governed and strong indigenous institutions.
• Working with these organisations, ANZ has been a key provider and supporter of the 'My Moola: Opening Financial Pathways' program bringing financial literacy opportunities and kicking off in 2007.