Wiltshire+Dimas were honoured to be instrumental in the organisation of this two-day Economic Development Symposium – Marramarra murru (creating pathways) for the Australian National University’s First Nations Portfolio.

The First Nations Portfolio is a branch of the ANU Executive that strives to ensure the University leads national policy discussions about reforming the relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the nation-state.

A first of its kind, the Economic Development Symposium – Marramarra murru (creating pathways) was conducted over the course of two days from 22–23 June and hosted at Kambri at ANU.

It featured First Nations guest speakers from Australia, the US, Canada and New Zealand, presenting across seven sessions on transformative approaches to Australian First Nations economic development.

The seven sessions addressed key requirements and pre-conditions to build authentic, self-determined, First Nations economies, leveraging the assets and legal rights that continue to be reclaimed by Australian First Nations peoples. They were:

  • Session 1: A caged bird: a historical perspective
  • Session 2: With wings clipped and feet tied: where are we now?
  • Session 3: A phoenix emerges: entrepreneurship, aspirations & community economic development
  • Session 4: Hatching the unique competitive advantage: First Nations knowledge and innovation
  • Session 5: You need strong wings to soar: jobs, skills & commercial capability
  • Session 6: From fledgling to flight: access to product, factor and financial markets
  • Session 7: Eagle eyed: future perspectives

Each session involved the facilitator framing the specific topic, an expert speaker(s) or discussion panel of experts discussing key aspects of the topic, followed by break-out participant working groups.

Client: Australian National University, First Nations Portfolio
Locations: Australia and International
Capabilities: Event Production and Management, Creative Direction, Marketing and Communications, Financial/ Budget Management, Supplier Management, Brand Development, Creative Design, Publishing, Video and Photography Production