A start at the Koori Knockout could be the launch pad for bigger things for an Aboriginal owned-and-operated events company.

Winjirra Events delivered the Elders Tent space at the recent Koori Knockout in Raymond Terrace.

They're now looking at booking, planning and hosting larger events, being involved in the catering space, supporting housing, education, health and culture more broadly as they grow.

Winjirra is a Awabakal Local Aboriginal Land Council cultural events company. With the new arm comes employment, training and business opportunities.

Elders tents at the Knockout are a yearly inclusion at the carnival, providing a place to rest in the warm spring days while the footy is played by hundreds of teams coming from all across the state.

Awabakal LALC chief executive Kumarah Kelly said their launch at the Koori Knockout was just a first step.

"Launching Winjirra Events at Koori Knockout is a proud moment for our community and a practical first step in growing our cultural events capability," Ms Kelly said.

"Through the Elders Tent and future events, Winjirra will help us create culturally grounded employment pathways, strengthen our event capability and reinvest income back into programs that benefit the Awabakal community."

The event company's establishment came with around $250,000 in support from the NSW state Government's Aboriginal Economic Development and Business Growth Program.

The grant program offers up to $4 million collectively, including to support and empower Aboriginal businesses and organisations in regional areas of the state for economic self-determination, and to support improved economic and employment outcomes.

There were 17 recipients of the grants announced in Febraury 2025, ranging from food and botanical breweries, skin care manufacturing, solar energy systems, horticulture and green houses and events.

Winjirra approved their objective to "host a range of on Country experiences enabling a solid economic basis for business growth and providing employment pathways and social support for the broader Aboriginal population across Newcastle".

The company is based out of the former Burwood Bowling Club site in Whitebridge, around 10 kilometres south of Newcastle CBD, with aims to host on-Country experiences, gatherings and community events.

It's expected to benefit over 500 local Aboriginal community members.