Marring Country has opened a new native plant nursery on the NSW South Coast, creating local jobs and supporting the supply of native plants across Australia.
The cultural education provider received $119,740 from the NSW Government through the Aboriginal Economic Development and Business Growth Program, which forms part of the $400 million Regional Development Trust Fund.
The Marring Country Nursery will be based at Bundanon, with the project including site works and construction of a greenhouse.
Bundanon is providing land for the nursery and has committed to sourcing plants from the project for its bush regeneration work.
Three Indigenous staff will be employed during the nursery's first 12 months, including a nursery manager and two junior workers who will receive on-the-job training.
Bidjigal Dharrawal / Monero Jaitmatang man and Marring Country chief executive, Raymond Timbery, said the nursery could strengthen the organisation while supporting Aboriginal employment.
"We are hoping in time the nursery will fill a gap in supply chain of established native plant sales," Mr Timbery said.
"With its national footprint and buying power this would be a significant opportunity for Marring to upscale and ensure its financial sustainability and that of local Aboriginal people."
Nursery manager Nikki Roser said the project would provide employment, training and pathways into the native plant industry for Aboriginal people.
Ms Roser said the nursery would also support cultural connections and caring for Country.
"It's exciting to be part of a project that supports our community, caring for country, strengthens cultural connections to Country, and creates opportunities for future generations," she said.
The NSW Government funding will also support up to six mentoring visits from Bush to Bowl, along with the development of a strategic roadmap and ongoing advice for Marring Country's native plant business.
The University of Wollongong's entrepreneurship and start-up program iAccelerate will provide business mentoring.
Funding will also be used to purchase customer relationship management software to support nursery administration and provide staff training in areas including sales, stock management, bookings, communications, scheduling and data collection.
Marring Country already delivers cultural education programs in 25 primary schools across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven.
The Aboriginal Economic Development and Business Growth Program supports Aboriginal businesses to develop commercial opportunities and training aimed at improving economic and employment outcomes for Aboriginal people and communities.
More than $223 million from the Regional Development Trust Fund is currently being delivered through programs and projects across regional NSW.
