July Newsletter 2020

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187 Aboriginal businesses supported

Over the last financial year

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106 Kimberley businesses supported

Through our IBA Collaboration Agreement

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141 WA businesses supported

Throughout the APAS Contract with the

Department of Primary Industry and

Regional Development

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1,281 Aboriginal business supported

Since Morrgul commenced in 2013

Online Procurement Training

Businesses in the Kimberley that want to supply goods and services to government agencies can now make use of a free, self-paced online training course in procurement.

A Morrgul initiative, in partnership with the Department of Finance, the Aboriginal Business Capability Program covers three sections: the tendering process, the request for quote, the request for quote, and running a business (refresher course). You'll find it on Morrgul's website: www.morrgul.com.au.

Business Toolkit

COVID-19 has seriously impacted the health of many businesses, but a fantastic new online resource is making things easier.

Morrgul's Business Toolkit details potential government support and provides practical tools to help businesses stay afloat and positive. Morrgul has created a number of template letters that can be easily personalised and sent to creditors, debtors, customers and suppliers. Visit morrgul.com.au to access.

Introduction

Indigenous sole trader, Kim Le Lievre has over 25 years’ experience in the bulk haulage business. Driving road trains and other plant and equipment, Kim moves cattle, gravel, bulk aggregate and more throughout the Kimberley region.
Kim is often on the road, so when he heard about an exciting tender opportunity with the WA Department of Main Roads that was due relatively soon, he knew it would be difficult. Kim got in touch with Morrgul and didn’t look back.

Challenges

Morrgul agreed to assist Kim and assigned him a dedicated Business Development Manager (BDM).
The immediate challenge was that Kim did not have the tender documentation and was working remotely, without access to an office or computer. He was up early for pre-start meetings, then on the road for up to the next 12 hours.

Solutions

Kim and the Morrgul BDM agreed to talk before and after normal working hours. The BDM would action items during the day and email them to Kim for review at day’s end. It was not easy for Kim to read the 79-page tender document on his mobile phone, but the BDM supported Kim and helped identify the key response areas required, providing valuable expertise. They agreed on a task list and process to tick them off.
Kim visited Morrgul’s office in Broome to sign the documentation and submit it electronically – a remarkable feat completed on time.

Results/Outcomes

Kim’s ‘Request for Tender’ was successful. He is currently working on the WA Main Roads Broome Cape Leveque project and is fully engaged until the end of 2020.
The support for Kim was funded through the State Government’s APAS program.

Josie said she would love to see more language groups and youth getting into business. She would also like to see policy makers doing more to promote business pathways in remote areas.

In supporting communities and families to pursue private enterprises, Josie believes people can become more independent and less reliant on government.

Josie was pleased to know there’s an organisation in the Kimberley that can help people turn their business dreams into reality.

"Businesses create employment in communities and often people just need to know that opportunities are out there," Josie said. "We can do a lot more in the Kimberley by getting people to talk about their aspirations and getting them involved."

Donald 'Bugsy' McKenzie can't quite remember how he got his nickname, but it's ben with him since he was a boy.
A proud Jabirr Jabirr man on his father's side, Bugsy is a father of four and a grandfather of 10. He's often found playing and helping out with the young ones- and he loves it.

The Chair of Morrgul, Bugsy is also active on various committees for Aboriginal organisations, including the Steering Committee for Waardi Limited. He also jointly owns a crabbing business called Goro Fisheries. He usually catches and sells mud crabs locally but COVID-19 has affected demand.

Outside of work, Bugsy still finds time to relax and enjoy life. His hobbies include line and reef fishing, the great outdoors and music. In fact, Bugsy is an accomplished bass player, having performed at the Taste of Broome, weddings and other events. Previously a band member of 'Red Soil', he is currently reforming his original band called 'Footprints'.

When asked about his preferred music style, he said "all styles - especially the kind that gets you dancing!"

Bugsy said he first started working with Aboriginal organisations over 20 years ago. "I wanted to learn more and be there for the people instead of having my own agenda," he said. "I try to be straight down the line with everybody and help those who need a hand up - not a hand out. There is more involved to getting a business off the ground than what people think. It's up to the individual to do their part and bring them as far as we can."