Noongar Land Enterprise Group (NLE) board member Oral McGuire recently travelled to the Philippines to take part in an Export Council of Australia (ECA) workshop supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs from across the Philippines.
The two-day export readiness workshop, funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, took place in Manila and brought together 15 Indigenous entrepreneurs and community leaders representing a diverse range of products, from traditional handicrafts and fashion to skincare and agricultural goods.
Participants gained practical skills in areas including export market analysis, regulatory systems, intellectual property protection, pitching and storytelling, and financial literacy for cross-border trade.
Oral joined ECA’s Arnold Jorge and Angela Wright as a guest speaker, sharing his experiences as a Noongar entrepreneur and as part of Australia’s only Aboriginal-led agribusiness grower group.
“It was a privilege to share our story and to connect with Indigenous business leaders in the Philippines. There are strong parallels between our experiences - the importance of protecting cultural knowledge, the challenges of entering international markets, and the opportunities that come when we bring our voices and our values into global trade.”
The workshop emphasised women’s leadership, alternative business models and cultural storytelling, highlighting the central role of Indigenous identity in building compelling businesses.
For Mr McGuire, the exchange was not just about providing advice, but also about building mutual understanding.
“These conversations showed me how much we can learn from each other,” he said. “Their stories of resilience and innovation resonate deeply with us as Noongar people. By sharing ideas and experiences, we can strengthen Indigenous businesses across our region and make sure we’re not just participants in global markets, but leaders.”
The event concluded with a certificate ceremony and closing remarks from senior representatives of the Australian Embassy in Manila and the Philippines Department of Trade and Industry.
For NLE, Oral’s involvement in the workshop underscores the organisation’s commitment to connecting Noongar enterprises with global opportunities and supporting Indigenous entrepreneurship at home and abroad.
