International First Nations Female Entrepreneurs Lunch - tickets selling fast!

Theme: From Country to Commerce: The Power of Her Story

Kinaway Chamber of Commerce warmly invites you to the International First Nations Female Entrepreneurs Lunch, a powerful gathering that celebrates the strength, innovation, and resilience of First Nations women in business. This special event, sponsored by NIAA, will bring together inspiring First Nations entrepreneurs to shape their journeys, celebrate cultural knowledge, and build meaningful connections.

This event will bring together inspiring First Nations women entrepreneurs from across the globe to share their business journeys, celebrate cultural knowledge, and build connections through networking.

Through storytelling, we will explore how entrepreneurial pathways are rooted in Country, culture, and innovation – how these journeys create powerful bridges between tradition and enterprise and what steps you can take to on your own journey

Keynote Speaker - How global trade and investment can grow First Nations businesses.
Melanie Harris
Melanie has worked across a variety of roles in both the private and public sectors. She was Australia’s first female Indigenous Trade and Investment Commissioner.

Melanie is now Head of Indigenous Engagement and Export at Austrade. In this role, she aligns her passions for creating market opportunities, cultural diplomacy and capability development for First Nations exporters.

MC:
Ange Burt
Ange is a palawa woman, whose Country is truwana (Cape Barren Island) located in the wild waters of the Bass Strait. An educator by trade, Ange has a broad range of leadership experience within fast-paced environments including Hawthorn and Richmond Football Clubs, and the AFL. Ange is the current Associate Director of Indigenous Partnerships at the University of Melbourne. She is also the founder and director of Culture Coach, a boutique change consultancy, powered by First Nations concepts of change making.

Panellists:
Laura Thompson - Clothing the Gaps:
Laura Thompson, a Gunditjmara woman, is the CEO and co-founder of Clothing The Gaps, an Aboriginal-led social enterprise and B-Corp that unites Indigenous and non-Indigenous people through fashion and advocacy. Under her leadership, Clothing The Gaps has become a significant force in Australian fashion and social justice. Laura is renowned for her advocacy in Indigenous rights, using the power of fashion to drive impactful campaigns like #FreeTheFlag, which aimed to reclaim the Aboriginal flag from copyright restrictions, and the referendum for a First Nations Voice to Parliament.

Sarah Gorst - South Coast Seaweed:
Sarah Gorst is the co-founder of South Coast Seaweed, a proudly Aboriginal-owned business on the Far South Coast of NSW. Through the revitalisation of traditional knowledge and practices such as seaweed foraging and caring for Sea Country, South Coast Seaweed creates innovative products including Golden kelp pasta, seaweed salts, and regenerative seaweed fertilisers.

Sarah’s work is grounded in culture, sustainability, and the deep connection between people and Sea Country. She is passionate about sharing the story of seaweed as both an ancient food and a modern solution, bridging traditional and modern circular economy enterprises. In 2024, Sarah was recognised as the Far South Coast Young Businesswoman of the Year for her leadership and entrepreneurial vision and South Coast Seaweed won the All First Nations Award for Eco and Sustainability 2025

Sharon Brindley - Jala Jala Treats:
Sharon Brindley is a proud Yamatji/Noongar woman and Founder of Jala Jala Treats. Sharon is also the largest Female First Nations food manufacturer in Australia. Grounded in a strong connection to Country, culture, and family Jala Jala produces premium products using native Australian ingredients, proudly sharing and celebrating Indigenous heritage through food.

Founded with a clear vision to create a brand that respects tradition while embracing innovation, Jala Jala brings native flavours to modern Australian consumers through a growing product range that is culturally authentic and commercially successful.

Sharon Brindley also owns Only Mine, a premium chocolate company known for its handcrafted, artisan products. While both brands are independently operated, they reflect Sharon’s commitment to quality, innovation, and Australian-made excellence."

What to expect

A keynote on how global trade and investment can grow First Nations businesses
A panel discussion exploring challenges, successes, and lessons learned
Time to connect with other First Nations women in business and corporate supporters
A celebration of women building sustainable futures for their people, communities, and industries

This promises to be a powerful afternoon of connection, culture, and commerce – showcasing the incredible impact of Indigenous women in business, both locally and internationally.

Inclusions

2 course lunch and beverages.