Supporting Indigenous women through bush tucker in Nowra

A $231,000 grant from the NSW Government to an Aboriginal-owned business in Nowra will see some 35 local women receive hospitality and catering training and create up to seven new jobs for local indigenous women in the Shoalhaven region.

The funding, to the Waminda South Coast Women’s Health and Wellbeing Aboriginal Corporation, from the Minns Government’s Regional Development Trust will be used to provide local employment opportunities and to grow the Corporation’s Blak Cede café, catering service, and bushfood garden operations.

Blak Cede is an Aboriginal women-led social and cultural enterprise which cultivates traditional foods from its Kareela Ngura community garden in Nowra to produce high quality products for its café and online store.

It blends traditional knowledge with contemporary hospitality, offering native ingredients through its menu and garden, and creating meaningful employment opportunities rooted in culture and community.

As a result of the funding, seven new casual staff members have been employed, and 28 existing staff members have received training, bringing the total number of women working across the enterprise to 35.

“Blak Cede is a powerful example of how Aboriginal-owned businesses can drive real social change,” Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said.

Expanding the business

“This funding isn’t just about growing a business, it’s about creating opportunities for Aboriginal women to build skills, confidence and cultural pride.

“It means more women in and around Nowra can step into leadership roles, share their knowledge and keep culture strong for future generations.”

The Blak Cede Café enterprise is one of the largest employers of Indigenous women in the region.

The funding has helped build practical skills, including barista training, in preparation for the operation of a food van which launched in January.

The funding will also allow the business to expand its digital expertise in social media content creation, marketing and brand development, helping Blak Cede promote its products online.

Making a real difference

Café Manager Melanie Williams said the support was already making a real difference to the team with staff growing in confidence every day – stepping up, learning new skills, and proudly putting those skills into practice on the floor and in the kitchen.

“It means so much to see our people building their futures while strengthening their connection to culture,” she said.

“The training and bush tucker knowledge we’re passing on isn’t just about running a café; it’s about empowerment, identity and community.

“Watching our team flourish reminds us why this work matters and how powerful it can be when our young people are given the chance to shine.”

The Aboriginal Economic Development Package is funded by the Regional Development Trust and supports Aboriginal businesses to identify and deliver new commercial opportunities and training that improve economic and employment outcomes for Aboriginal people and communities.

More than $150 million from the NSW Government’s Regional Development Trust is currently being delivered through programs and projects, to provide strategic and sustainable investment where it is needed to support industries, businesses and communities across regional NSW.