First Nations Business Research Summit

First Nations Business Research Summit 

Aug 18, 2023

Thursday this week saw the inaugural First Nations Business Research Summit hosted at the University of Sydney Business School. The summit brings together #thoughtleaders and #entrepreneurs in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business sector, and Murawin CEO Carol Vale spoke on her extensive experience, deep passion, and vivid vision for the sector. 

“The Voice and Business” was the theme set to guide the speakers; Carol, George Denny-Smith and Deb Barwick. In the safe and inclusive space, the speakers and attendees were able to openly discuss relevant research, thoughts, ideas, and uncertainties surrounding the topic of First Nations business and the referendum. Inclusive spaces for open discussion, listening and connection are valuable as we progress toward the referendum this year, a precious opportunity for change.

At Murawin we believe change is needed, Close the Gap data clearly illustrates this. We see the opportunity to recognise our First Nations people in the constitution and celebrate their voice as something to be warmly welcomed.

The value of the opportunity is clear in the business sector. The Indigenous business sector in Australia contributes an estimated $12 billion to the national economy. Leaders in Australian business understand the Voice brings the potential to further nurture and grow the Indigenous business sector to benefit the nation as a whole.

At the summit speakers were asked to share their view on trends in Indigenous business practice, sector opportunities in the next 5-10 years, and what makes the Indigenous business model unique. The speakers additionally discussed the growth of research in the area, and how researchers and academics best collaborate with First Nations people, communities, and businesses respectfully, enabling mutually beneficial and culturally appropriate outcomes.

It is an exciting time for Australia to accept the invitation for change, lean in to Closing the Gap, and move forward together to build a richer, more prosperous nation for all.

#indigenousbusiness #closingthegap #yes23

BACKGROUND

Murawin, is a Dunghutti word which means “to be educated, and to be responsible with that education.”

It is about not only having the knowledge but knowing what to do with it and passing it on when the time is right. Education has always been a passion for both our co-founders and is at the heart of Murawin’s work facilitating intercultural learning, respect & collaboration.

 

Our logo is also steeped in meaning and symbolism,

merging professionalism with a contemporary flair while staying rooted in Country through stylised elements of waterways and river rocks. These elements, symbolising life, healing, and reconciliation in Indigenous culture, resonate with Murawin’s client-focused approach.

Originating from river Country in regional NSW, Murawin’s founders’ childhood experiences shaped the logo’s significance, reflecting their deep ties to family and Country. The river rocks signify Murawin’s enduring connection to Country and culture, chosen for their symbolism of strength and resilience akin to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. They also represent Murawin’s commitment to positive impact and intergenerational change. Notably, the eight rocks symbolise cofounder Carol Vale’s immediate family members, while the two lines in the logo signify the intertwining of cultures by our two co-founders, Carol and Greg.

VISUAL INDENTITY UPDATE

What we wanted to do was to better reflect Murawin’s story, goals, mission and values through a supporting look and feel that elevated our branding and centred Country, our story and our values.

To do this we started with an updated colour palette.

We wanted a natural colour palette that reflects Country

and gives people a calm and clear perspective just like when time is spent on Country. Simultaneously we wanted it to reflect the professional, rigorous and forward-thinking nature of our work.

Each colour had to be meaningful and tied to Murawin’s story, so we pulled the colours directly from images of Country in areas important to Murawin and its co-founders.

Wollomombi - brand colour

Meaning “the meeting of two water ways”, Wollomombi Falls sits almost side by side with Chandler falls just outside of Armidale. The two rivers come together at the bottom of the waterfalls to become one. It represents our co-founders coming together to form Murawin

Riverbank - primary colour

Represents the banks of the Macquarie River (and other key riverways important to Murawin’s story such as the Macleay)

Peppermint Gum - primary colour

Whenever visiting Armidale, Murawin’s co-founders would collect Peppermint Gum leaves.

Red River Gum - primary colour

Red river gum trees are a favourite tree of both Murawin’s co-founders

Darling River - secondary colour

The Darling River at Bourke is another important river in the Murawin story.

Gara Granite - secondary colour

The Gara River / Blue Hole is a special place to Carol’s family- they would visit a lot growing up

Bourke Sunset - secondary colour

This colour was pulled directly from a photo of a Bourke Sunset taken by our late co-founder Greg McKenzie

Another key piece we have woven throughout this new visual identity is the contrasting black and white to visually represent the intercultural nature of our work and our story.

This duality is an important feature in Murawin’s story and in our work as the conduit between clients and communities.

This colour palette intertwined with artistic elements and the Country-centric imagery that you see throughout our website, reinforces that Country, community and culture are at the heart of everything we do at Murawin.

We are proud to present this new visual identity to the public, our clients, and the communities we work with to better reflect our story, the work we do, and our vision for the future.