We are supporting our First Nations’ innovators and entrepreneurs to develop and grow
The Deadly Innovation Strategy aims to increase economic participation and independence for Indigenous innovators in Queensland.
Initiatives under the strategy are developed and co-designed in collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
These initiatives have created new leadership opportunities, fostered partnerships, and unlocked resources, leading to job creation and business opportunities for First Nations’ people.
The Deadly Innovation Strategy has driven First Nations-led economic development since 2019, with over 100 projects benefiting from investment and support.
Partnerships
Deadly Innovation is all about working with First Nations’ entrepreneurs, innovators and communities to overcome challenges, including helping emerging businesses become investment-ready, working with communities to build up industries that are in demand, and playing to traditional strengths to create entirely new business opportunities.
Deadly Innovation Strategy delivery features many partnerships and opportunities designed to enable First Nations’ people to fully participate in and drive the new economy.
First Australians Capital: Business Acceleration Program
A partnership between Advance Queensland and First Australians Capital (FAC), in collaboration with Queensland Investment Corporation, this initiative provides access to financial markets for wealth creation.
This ground-breaking partnership is set to unlock growth for proven Indigenous businesses by enhancing their investment readiness and providing access to suitable capital support. First Australians Capital will deliver this business acceleration and wealth creation initiative as part of its work to harness the cultural, creative and economic strengths of First Australians. Advance Queensland is proud to partner with FAC on the program which is scheduled to go live in late 2024.
The First Australians Capital Business Acceleration Program will take a staged approach to assisting Indigenous businesses. FAC uses a self-determined capacity building model, working with individual entrepreneurs and firms to determine what the right capital solution is for their business, that will enable them to grow and thrive.
More information about the First Australians Capital Business Acceleration Program.
First Nations’ trailblazing initiatives
These initiatives set out to position First Nations’ people as trailblazers within Queensland’s evolving innovation economy.
Cherbourg Digital Centre – Jobs on Country
The Cherbourg Digital Trust is Queensland's first Indigenous community managed service centre offering services to corporations and government entities. With Fujitsu Australia as a foundational client, recently joined by contracts with DB Results and Smart Service Queensland, the centre operates from the Cherbourg TAFE campus, providing up to 30 digital job opportunities.
The model is now realising its greater potential and has been successfully replicated in other locations, including Palm Island.
To empower Indigenous young people today with the STEM skills needed for these and many other jobs of tomorrow, Advance Queensland is working with the Queensland Government Customer and Digital Group, alongside Deadly Coders and Junior Engineers to deliver a comprehensive digital education program targeting up to 4000 students across Queensland.
First Nations’ Tech Partnership – Caring for Country
Deadly Innovation has supported Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers to use drones and AI on Country to monitor and manage the natural environment, and First Nations’ artists and storytellers to use XR/VR immersive technologies to engage audiences in Indigenous history and culture. This exciting work is providing tourists with an immersive experience and unprecedented insight into the importance of Country to First Nations’ people.
Indigenous Native Food Program
The Indigenous Native Food Program has significantly increased First Nations’ business participation in the lucrative food industry. Delivered in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, this program has supported 24 businesses so far, with four of those reaching export markets, 20 developing commercially ready products, and all providing jobs to First Nations’ people.
Contact
For any specific enquiries about Deadly Innovation, please email regionalinnovation@dtis.qld.gov.au.
Case studies
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Deadly Partnership: First Nations’ business built on respect, responsibilities and reciprocity
First Nations’ startup Sobah are pioneering non-alcoholic craft beer in Australia from the Gold Coast, Queensland. Partnering was key to their success.
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Ancient Practices Transforming Workplaces
An Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business management system called weavr is helping companies in Queensland walk the talk of Reconciliation by making it easier to track progress and embed Indigenous culture into the workplace.
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New Palm Island Digital Service Centre creates jobs and opportunities in the digital economy
A new community-owned and operated Digital Service Centre on Palm Island is now fully operational, providing local people with valuable digital skills training, employment opportunities and career pathways in Queensland’s growing digital sector.
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From fishing trip antics to eco-innovation: the inspiring journey of the Salty Monkey
Dennis Fay is a firefighter with a unique passion for adventure and preserving his Torres Strait Islander heritage. It all started with a fishing trip when Dennis and his friends decided to add some fun by wearing monkey masks. Their antics caught fire on social media, birthing ‘Salty Monkeys’.
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Combining technology and traditional knowledge to solve community challenges
The Indigenous Australian Datathon 2023 looked to digital solutions to address key community challenges, including bushfire management.
Last updated: 11 Sep 2024