A Learning Resource for Mob Engaging with the Social Enterprise Sector

Over the past 12 months, BlackCard has convened a peer learning community of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander change-makers in the social enterprise sector.  The group initially focused on addressing gaps in cultural capability within the sector, but shifted to centre the needs and experiences of Community. This webinar will share insights on the process, including community engagement, collective ways of working, and Aboriginal-led approaches.

The interactive conversation will explore:

• Community consultation and how it shaped the project direction.
• Aboriginal-led approaches to design and decision making.
• Collective working within a national learning community.
• Culturally grounded engagement practices.
• Reflections on participation and contribution.

About the Convenor

BlackCard operates with the authority of Elders who have provided expertise for over 30 years to enterprises, governments, corporate and industry sectors. BlackCard’s Aboriginal knowledge strengthens ethical behaviour by enabling people to develop an understanding to undertake the same obligations and responsibilities to Land and to each other as Aboriginal people have practised for thousands of years.

Mundanara Bayles

Managing Director

 

BlackCard

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Mundanara is a trailblazer in cultural capability and Indigenous business innovation. A proud Wonnarua, Bundjalung, Birri-Gubba and Gangalu woman, she co-founded The BlackCard, an award-winning consultancy that has transformed the way organisations engage with Aboriginal knowledge systems. Her work is recognised nationally for turning cultural frameworks into practical leadership, governance and strategy tools. As founder of BlakCast, Australia’s first Indigenous podcast network, she continues to amplify First Nations voices through digital media. Mundanara’s leadership exemplifies creativity, integrity and a bold reimagining of what reconciliation can look like in action. Mundanara was awarded Supply Nations Indigenous Business Woman of the Year in 2023 and Indigenous Podcaster of the Year 2023 at the Australian Podcast Awards.

Carly Forrest

Strategic Advisor and Founder

 

The Dreaming Collective

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Carly is a proud Mandandanji woman, with ties to Wangan, Gangulu and Darumbal. Carly is a strategic advisor and founder of The Dreaming Collective. With extensive experience in Indigenous business development, governance and community engagement, she works across government, industry and community sectors to strengthen First Nations enterprise systems. Carly contributed to this project as an advisory member, bringing cultural insight and practical experience in Indigenous entrepreneurship to help ensure the resource reflects the realities, strengths and aspirations of First Nations businesses engaging with the social enterprise sector.

Gaala Watson

Associate Lecturer

 

The University of Queensland

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Dr Gaala Watson is a Gangalu and Birri-Gubba (Wiri) scholar and practitioner with a PhD in Aboriginal Governance from the University of Queensland. Her research and practice focus on Indigenous governance systems, economic self-determination and the design of values-based institutions that align with First Nations worldviews. Gaala has led and contributed to interdisciplinary research across social enterprise, health, finance and philanthropic sectors. She currently serves as Co-Lead of the First Nations Reference Group for Social Enterprise Australia and is Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Indigenous Business.

Kylie Penehoe

Chief Executive Officer

 

The Alliance

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Kylie is a proud Wonnarua and Wiradjuri woman and Chief Executive Officer of The Alliance, the national peak body for Indigenous employment and training organisations. She leads national policy, advocacy and system reform to advance Indigenous-led workforce solutions and economic participation. Kylie has extensive experience across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors, with a track record in strategy, program design and social impact. She is a member of Minister McCarthy’s First Nations Advisory Group on Employment and ASQA’s VET Sector Strategic Forum. She holds a Master of Business Administration (Social Impact).

Renai Mouton

Founder

 

Renai Mouton Consulting

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Renai is a strategic advisor and Director of Renai Mouton Consulting, with over 20 years’ experience, including more than a decade in First Nations economic development. Descended from the Gamilaroi peoples of north-western NSW, Renai works across community, government and social enterprise contexts to strengthen First Nations-led approaches to economic development grounded in culture, Country and collective wellbeing. Renai has contributed to a range of collaborative projects and sector initiatives, supporting processes grounded in lived experience, cultural safety and the realities of First Nations business. Her work is shaped by a belief that economic independence, when aligned with culture and community, creates the foundation for long-term, place-based impact.