Monash University hosted the inaugural Indigenous Innovation Challenge workshop yesterday. Following a nation-wide call out in July, for indigenous-led projects, five Indigenous community organisations from across Australia pitched their ideas and teamed up with relevant researchers, from the faculties of Information Technology, Business and Economics, Engineering, Law and Science, to begin collaborating on sustainable long-term solutions for specific challenges impacting their communities.

The five participants and their ideas were:

Black Duck Foods represented by General Manager Sean Appoo.
Mallacoota, VIC.

Idea: To develop a governance structure and strategy for Indigenous-led recovery of ancient agricultural traditions (grasslands etc.).

Bundjalung Tribal Society represented by Adam Joseph.
Lismore, NSW.

Idea: To improve the value of the native fruit offtake through mechanisation.

Glow Sky Media Pty Ltd represented by Founder Michael Scarrott (Biripi man).
Central Coast, NSW.

Idea: To establish sovereign manufacturing and export capability for recyclable eco-friendly premium photoluminescent film / solar panel products.

Justyce Manton (Eora and Wiradjuri woman).
Adelaide, SA.

Idea: To reduce the risk of harm to native plant biodiversity/ extinction

Wunan Foundation represented by Chairman Ian Trust (Gija man).
East Kimberley, WA.

Idea: To develop a community centric mobile application to address public antisocial behaviour in the East Kimberley region.

Image: Shutterstock: NicoElNino

Produced By: Rodney Monk

Featured In Story: Associate Dean (Indigenous) Professor Christopher Lawrence from the Faculty of Information Technology, Monash University

First aired on The Wire, Wednesday 25 October 2023