2008 Press Release

PR321

Second TSRA Community Business Forum presented to Eastern Islands

For Immediate Release 3/7/2008

The TSRA has delivered its second successful Community Business Forum, this time on Erub Island in the Eastern cluster of the Torres Strait.

Held from 24-26 June 2008, the Forum was open to all community members from the Eastern cluster who operate a small business or who are considering developing a small business of their own.

TSRA Chairperson, Mr. Toshie Kris, said that the first Forum was held at St Pauls Community on Moa Island in March this year and provided community members from the Western Islands with a valuable opportunity to discuss ideas and attend workshops to hear industry specialists and successful Indigenous entrepreneurs speak on their experiences.

“Mr. Steve Corderio facilitated the Erub Forum and speakers included Mr. Kenny Bedford, TSRA Member for Erub and Portfolio Member for Marine and Fisheries, Ms. Bernice Zaro, from the Zaro Cultural Gallery in Ayre; Mr. Michael Crawley, Business Development Officer at the TSRA; Ms Bronwyn Jewell, Manager of Gab Titui Cultural Centre; Ms Chi Chi Fujii, Retail Services Officer at Gab Titui Cultural Centre and Ms Evelyn Burnett, Retail Assistant at Gab Titui Cultural Centre”, said Mr. Kris.

“The Community Business Forums offer a series of free workshops covering: 

• What is Business?
• Business Ideas for your Community
• Identifying Business Opportunities
• Starting a Small Business
• Preparing a Business Plan
• TSRA Small Business Development Framework

“The Forums are part of the TSRA’s Small Business Development Framework and are designed to build the capacity for communities to become economically independent and to examine strategies for turning business ideas into a sustainable reality. 

“Participants were encouraged to discuss their experiences of the challenges involved in Indigenous business development and were provided with solutions, assistance with writing business plans and information on where they may seek further advice and assistance in the future.

“In particular, emphasis was placed on the importance of harnessing niche business opportunities presented by the unique environmental and demographic characteristics of each Island.

“The TSRA was impressed with the interest expressed by budding entrepreneurs and by the innovative business ideas emerging from proactive community members.

“The TSRA’s support of local business has and will continue to play a vital part in strengthening the economy of the Torres Strait and empowering its people to determine their own affairs”, said Mr. Kris.

ENDS
TSRA Media Contact: Ana Talko Ph: 07 4069 0700.
www.tsra.gov.au