Media Release: INDIGENOUS BUSINESSES SWING INTO ACTION FOR GAMES

FROM THE MINISTER FOR SMALL BUSINESS, MINISTER FOR ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS

DATE: Monday, October 24, 2005

INDIGENOUS BUSINESSES SWING INTO ACTION FOR GAMES

Tourists to the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games can confidently purchase Aboriginal artefacts and souvenirs with a new Swing Tag designed to guarantee the authenticity of Indigenous products.

Launched today by the Minister for Small Business, André Haermeyer, and the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Gavin Jennings, the Indigenous Swing Tag will give Indigenous businesses promotional and marketing opportunities before and during the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games.

“The Indigenous Swing Tag Program will support the development of a range of authentic Indigenous products that showcase the vibrant and diverse nature of Victorian Indigenous enterprise and culture,” said Mr Haermeyer.

“The Swing Tag promotes Victoria’s Indigenous businesses and products to a domestic and international audience, with the advantage of having product associated with the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games.

“The Swing Tag features impressive artwork by Yorta Yorta artist Lee Darroch, entitled Echuca Possum Skin Cloak.”

Mr Haermeyer said the Swing Tag guaranteed consumers were purchasing high quality authentic Victorian Indigenous products, and would help to avoid cheap knock-offs.

“Products issued with a Swing Tag will form part of a range of merchandise associated with the Melbourne 2006 Games, and will be available for sale at retail outlets across Melbourne in the lead up and during the Games in March next year,” Mr Haermeyer said.

“Visitors from overseas and across Australia will be able to choose from a wide range of Indigenous products including ceramics, textiles, paintings, prints, glassware, artefacts, bush furniture and jewellery.”

Mr Jennings said Indigenous Victorian culture and heritage would be woven into all aspects of the Commonwealth Games.

“A business showcase incorporating Indigenous owned products including bush tucker, cultural tourism, art work, textiles and ceramics will be staged providing ongoing benefits that will last long after the Games have concluded,” Mr Jennings said.

“The Bracks Government is working to build a better future for Indigenous people and the $45.7 million boost through the Government’s social policy statement A Fairer Victoria will help build skills and capacity within Indigenous communities to make real and lasting improvement.

Victorians will be able to have a sneak preview of what will be on offer to Games visitors, when Indigenous businesses trial their product displays and presentations at an introductory business showcase at Federation Square on November 4.

Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games CEO, Mr John Harnden said the Games provided the perfect opportunity to tell the rest of the world about the history, culture and vibrancy of Indigenous Victoria.

“Victoria has a unique and diverse Indigenous culture and heritage echoed in the State’s Indigenous businesses,” Mr Harnden said.

The Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games will be held from 15-26 March and will bring together 4500 athletes from 71 nations.