Five regional hubs across four states were established in 2021 following consultation with more than 45 key stakeholder groups from Indigenous communities; educational institutions; government; and local businesses. These hubs have initially focused on developing a shared understanding of the key barriers to inclusion for Indigenous girls and women in relation to STEM and entrepreneurial careers in the native ag+food sector and initiating targeted initiatives across the Pathways framework. Local Elders are involved to ensure that projects are developed with appropriate protocols and cultural safety.
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EM-power Foundation plans to expand to 15 hubs across Australia by 2025 and discussions are underway for the next stage of expansion in Western Australia, South Coast NSW and South-East Queensland.
“I am an Indigenous farmer in the Riverlands of South Australia and I am passionate about conservation and land management. My participation has been to support the establishment of the program ‘Hub’ in my local region. This is a really important initiative as Indigenous women are very underrepresented in the native agrifood industry.”
Dominic Smith, Indigenous Founder Pundi Produce SA
