Aboriginal Economic Development
The Commission’s Aboriginal Economic Development Officer (AEDO) works with Aboriginal people and communities to facilitate community economic development and support economically viable Indigenous enterprises.
This support is provided through information and advice to existing and potential new business operators and to Indigenous groups preparing community economic development plans.
The current focus of the Commission’s AEDO is on Indigenous arts and tourism as well as identifying opportunities for employment and enterprise development in the resources sector.
As a member of the WA Indigenous Tourism Operators Committee (WAITOC), the AEDO also provides input into government policy on cultural tourism and Indigenous arts development in the region. The AEDO has regular contact with government agencies to network and share information on contemporary Aboriginal economic development issues such as the impact of changes to the Community Development Employment Program (CDEP).
The AEDO promotes education and training opportunities for Indigenous people through collaboration with training bodies such as Central West College of TAFE, group training providers in the region, the Geraldton Universities Centre and the Edith Cowan University’s Kurongkurl Katitjin.
The AEDO position is externally funded through grants received from the Office of Aboriginal Economic Development within the Department of Industry and Resources and the Federal Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.
Mid West Development Commission contact: Aboriginal Economic Development Officer
Wayne McDonald - 9921 0708.