Employment opportunities for local Indigenous women in New South Wales' Shoalhaven region are set to be supported through the State Government's Regional Development Trust.

The $231,000 grant, dedicated to Nowra's Waminda South Coast Women's Health and Wellbeing Aboriginal Corporation, will see nearly three dozen local women receive hospitality and catering training and create up to seven new jobs through the Corporation's Blak Cede café.

In addition to its café offerings, Black Cede — Wadima's Aboriginal women-led social and cultural enterprise — also offers a catering service and bushfood garden operations.

Black Cede Café Manager, Melanie Williams, said: "It means so much to see our people building their futures while strengthening their connection to culture."

"This support is already making a real difference for our team with our 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," the Wodi Wodi, Wandi Wandandian and Wiradjuri Woman 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."

At Black Cede, traditional foods from its Kareela Ngura community garden are cultivated to produce high quality products for both its café and online store.

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

The Corporation's café operations are having a positive impact on front of house worker, Ellanora Williams.

"I'm incredibly grateful to Blak Cede for prioritising our up-skilling and creating opportunities for all of us to grow within this space," Ms Williams said.

"It has helped me build my skills and give back more to my 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.

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

"This funding isn't just about growing a business, it's about creating opportunities for Aboriginal women to build skills, confidence and cultural pride," Ms Moriarty said.

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

The NSW Government said 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 2026.

It 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.

Member for the South Coast, Liza Butler, said Blak Cede is delivering strong economic outcomes across the region by creating jobs, supporting local suppliers and opening new pathways for Aboriginal women in the hospitality and bushfood industries.

"Blak Cede has become an important and valued space in Nowra, bringing people together and celebrating First Peoples culture through food," Ms Butler said.

"This funding will help Blak Cede continue its vital work of building the skills, confidence and leadership of Aboriginal women through hands-on training, cultural education and meaningful employment pathways, ensuring its impact continues to grow across the community."

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

The Government said 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.

More information about the Trust is available online.