Across northern Australia, many Aboriginal women hold strong creative, cultural and entrepreneurial knowledge but often face significant barriers to starting businesses in remote communities.

In Halls Creek in the East Kimberley, women involved in the Halls Creek Women’s Hub are changing that story. Through their own initiative and leadership they are establishing textile and fashion enterprises using digital fabric printing technology, developing products for tourism, fashion and retail markets.

A major milestone is the formation of Ngaringga Larna, a newly incorporated Aboriginal women’s organisation created by the women themselves to lead the next stage of enterprise development and governance. Their work includes operating digital textile printing technology — one of the largest textile printers of its kind operated by Aboriginal women in Australia — enabling local production and new opportunities for remote enterprise.

The presentation will share how Aboriginal women in a small remote town are building businesses, creating employment pathways and connecting to national and global markets while remaining grounded in culture and community.

Importantly, the initiative is led by the women themselves. The role of the Hub is to support infrastructure, skills and market access while Ngaringga Larna continues to grow as a community-led organisation.

This story demonstrates how First Nations women’s leadership, enterprise and cultural knowledge can drive new economic opportunities in northern Australia.