Networking for critical mass: The West Coast Aboriginal Network (WestCAN) case study
Networking for critical mass: The West Coast Aboriginal Network (WestCAN) case study Report
DKCRC Working Paper
- Author(s): Fernando, D, Gibbs, J, Wyld, F, Rola-Rubzen, MF
- Published: 2011
- Publisher: Ninti One Limited
- Volume: 81
Abstract: This report highlights an action-research case study of the West Coast Aboriginal Network (WestCAN). The network was first conceptualised in 2004 through the Plants for People project of the Desert Knowledge CRC (DKCRC). From this, community members banded together to form a network. Twenty-four people made up the core of the network. These people worked on enterprise projects within their communities. The network provides a support mechanism enabling people with common interest to be encouraged by providing a range of information and resources outside their communities. At the time of publication of this report the small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) members of WestCAN were: • Pampul Therapy and Healing Wiru – Patricia and Zane Gunter family, 10 km east of Ceduna • Scotdesco Expresso Cafe – the Scotdesco Community, 100 km west of Ceduna • Minnie’s Outback Tours – Lerline Crisci at Scotdesco community • Tjilkaba Gardens – Glenette Miller and the Scotdesco community • Cultural Awareness Training – Wanda Miller at Scotdesco community • Wanda’s Bush Medicine – Wanda Miller at Scotdesco community • Koonibba Internet Cafe – with John Thomas at Koonibba community, 35 km west of Ceduna • Koonibba Nursery – contract growing with Peter Gray at Koonibba community • Dinahline Bushfood Gardens – Dinahline Homeland community, 5 km west of Ceduna The focus of this research was to observe, monitor and facilitate where necessary the businesses’ development through time. The research aimed to understand the challenges faced by aspiring Aboriginal entrepreneurs in desert areas (and why a networking approach might be a successful one), issues associated with start-up, the role of external facilitation, and forming a network and impacts on individuals and the group as a whole.
- Urls: http://www.nintione.com.au/resource/NintiOneWorkingPaper_81_Networkingforcriticalmass_WestCAN.pdf
- Publisher Location: Alice Springs
- Keywords: Aboriginal, networking, participatory action research, business development, South Australia