Latest news with #theGap
The Advertiser
07-07-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
Indigenous business must be 'backed' to Close the Gap
Despite "deficits" and "negativity" surrounding Closing the Gap narratives, Indigenous businesses are slowly becoming the engine driving social change because they are grounded in their own communities. A landmark report from Supply Nation found Indigenous businesses create $42.6 billion of social value each year and allow First Nations people more freedom to live on their own terms. It's leading to better mental health outcomes, more pride among communities and a better connection to culture and Country, the report found. Supply Nation, which provides Australia's biggest database of Indigenous businesses, said "social value" included things such as agency over life, expanded aspirations, financial security and physical and mental health. Some $16.2 billion of the social value created was experienced by Indigenous employees. Supply Nation chief executive Kate Russell launched The Sleeping Giant Rises report at a Business Sydney event on Monday, coinciding with NAIDOC Week. "The closing the gap narrative is overwhelmingly negative but ... we believe that indigenous entrepreneurs are closing the gap better than other parts of Indigenous Australia," she told AAP. "By lifting up our indigenous communities ... that is saving government money in terms of welfare payments ... but it's also lifting a sense of pride, aspiration, happiness and well being in those communities." By economically empowering a nascent but thriving business sector of about 6000 companies, verified by Sleeping Giants on a register, the financial and social dividends would benefit millions of Aboriginal Australians. "The Indigenous business sector is not a story of disadvantage. It is a story of empowerment, it is a story of self determination and we need to have a positive lens on what is often a deficit conversation," she said. Nearly 66,000 First Nations people are employed by Indigenous businesses, and 84 per cent of owners said those employees were better able to support families and feel positive about life. Many owners reported more home ownership among staff, with more than six-in-10 believing employees were more likely to own homes. Seven-in-10 business owners said young people in their families were more likely to finish year 12, the same result as those who were more likely to complete a university or TAFE degree. One business owner quoted in the report described themselves as a "role model to my children". "They've seen the hard work that's gone into being a business owner for the last 16 years and now they are starting to see the benefits for me and for them," they said. The report also called for more active role in policymaking that affects Indigenous Australians. "Governments must consider giving indigenous entrepreneurs or indigenous businesses a seat at the table when they're making broader policies like Closing the Gap," Ms Russell said. "They deserve to be backed." 13YARN 13 92 76 Despite "deficits" and "negativity" surrounding Closing the Gap narratives, Indigenous businesses are slowly becoming the engine driving social change because they are grounded in their own communities. A landmark report from Supply Nation found Indigenous businesses create $42.6 billion of social value each year and allow First Nations people more freedom to live on their own terms. It's leading to better mental health outcomes, more pride among communities and a better connection to culture and Country, the report found. Supply Nation, which provides Australia's biggest database of Indigenous businesses, said "social value" included things such as agency over life, expanded aspirations, financial security and physical and mental health. Some $16.2 billion of the social value created was experienced by Indigenous employees. Supply Nation chief executive Kate Russell launched The Sleeping Giant Rises report at a Business Sydney event on Monday, coinciding with NAIDOC Week. "The closing the gap narrative is overwhelmingly negative but ... we believe that indigenous entrepreneurs are closing the gap better than other parts of Indigenous Australia," she told AAP. "By lifting up our indigenous communities ... that is saving government money in terms of welfare payments ... but it's also lifting a sense of pride, aspiration, happiness and well being in those communities." By economically empowering a nascent but thriving business sector of about 6000 companies, verified by Sleeping Giants on a register, the financial and social dividends would benefit millions of Aboriginal Australians. "The Indigenous business sector is not a story of disadvantage. It is a story of empowerment, it is a story of self determination and we need to have a positive lens on what is often a deficit conversation," she said. Nearly 66,000 First Nations people are employed by Indigenous businesses, and 84 per cent of owners said those employees were better able to support families and feel positive about life. Many owners reported more home ownership among staff, with more than six-in-10 believing employees were more likely to own homes. Seven-in-10 business owners said young people in their families were more likely to finish year 12, the same result as those who were more likely to complete a university or TAFE degree. One business owner quoted in the report described themselves as a "role model to my children". "They've seen the hard work that's gone into being a business owner for the last 16 years and now they are starting to see the benefits for me and for them," they said. The report also called for more active role in policymaking that affects Indigenous Australians. "Governments must consider giving indigenous entrepreneurs or indigenous businesses a seat at the table when they're making broader policies like Closing the Gap," Ms Russell said. "They deserve to be backed." 13YARN 13 92 76 Despite "deficits" and "negativity" surrounding Closing the Gap narratives, Indigenous businesses are slowly becoming the engine driving social change because they are grounded in their own communities. A landmark report from Supply Nation found Indigenous businesses create $42.6 billion of social value each year and allow First Nations people more freedom to live on their own terms. It's leading to better mental health outcomes, more pride among communities and a better connection to culture and Country, the report found. Supply Nation, which provides Australia's biggest database of Indigenous businesses, said "social value" included things such as agency over life, expanded aspirations, financial security and physical and mental health. Some $16.2 billion of the social value created was experienced by Indigenous employees. Supply Nation chief executive Kate Russell launched The Sleeping Giant Rises report at a Business Sydney event on Monday, coinciding with NAIDOC Week. "The closing the gap narrative is overwhelmingly negative but ... we believe that indigenous entrepreneurs are closing the gap better than other parts of Indigenous Australia," she told AAP. "By lifting up our indigenous communities ... that is saving government money in terms of welfare payments ... but it's also lifting a sense of pride, aspiration, happiness and well being in those communities." By economically empowering a nascent but thriving business sector of about 6000 companies, verified by Sleeping Giants on a register, the financial and social dividends would benefit millions of Aboriginal Australians. "The Indigenous business sector is not a story of disadvantage. It is a story of empowerment, it is a story of self determination and we need to have a positive lens on what is often a deficit conversation," she said. Nearly 66,000 First Nations people are employed by Indigenous businesses, and 84 per cent of owners said those employees were better able to support families and feel positive about life. Many owners reported more home ownership among staff, with more than six-in-10 believing employees were more likely to own homes. Seven-in-10 business owners said young people in their families were more likely to finish year 12, the same result as those who were more likely to complete a university or TAFE degree. One business owner quoted in the report described themselves as a "role model to my children". "They've seen the hard work that's gone into being a business owner for the last 16 years and now they are starting to see the benefits for me and for them," they said. The report also called for more active role in policymaking that affects Indigenous Australians. "Governments must consider giving indigenous entrepreneurs or indigenous businesses a seat at the table when they're making broader policies like Closing the Gap," Ms Russell said. "They deserve to be backed." 13YARN 13 92 76 Despite "deficits" and "negativity" surrounding Closing the Gap narratives, Indigenous businesses are slowly becoming the engine driving social change because they are grounded in their own communities. A landmark report from Supply Nation found Indigenous businesses create $42.6 billion of social value each year and allow First Nations people more freedom to live on their own terms. It's leading to better mental health outcomes, more pride among communities and a better connection to culture and Country, the report found. Supply Nation, which provides Australia's biggest database of Indigenous businesses, said "social value" included things such as agency over life, expanded aspirations, financial security and physical and mental health. Some $16.2 billion of the social value created was experienced by Indigenous employees. Supply Nation chief executive Kate Russell launched The Sleeping Giant Rises report at a Business Sydney event on Monday, coinciding with NAIDOC Week. "The closing the gap narrative is overwhelmingly negative but ... we believe that indigenous entrepreneurs are closing the gap better than other parts of Indigenous Australia," she told AAP. "By lifting up our indigenous communities ... that is saving government money in terms of welfare payments ... but it's also lifting a sense of pride, aspiration, happiness and well being in those communities." By economically empowering a nascent but thriving business sector of about 6000 companies, verified by Sleeping Giants on a register, the financial and social dividends would benefit millions of Aboriginal Australians. "The Indigenous business sector is not a story of disadvantage. It is a story of empowerment, it is a story of self determination and we need to have a positive lens on what is often a deficit conversation," she said. Nearly 66,000 First Nations people are employed by Indigenous businesses, and 84 per cent of owners said those employees were better able to support families and feel positive about life. Many owners reported more home ownership among staff, with more than six-in-10 believing employees were more likely to own homes. Seven-in-10 business owners said young people in their families were more likely to finish year 12, the same result as those who were more likely to complete a university or TAFE degree. One business owner quoted in the report described themselves as a "role model to my children". "They've seen the hard work that's gone into being a business owner for the last 16 years and now they are starting to see the benefits for me and for them," they said. The report also called for more active role in policymaking that affects Indigenous Australians. "Governments must consider giving indigenous entrepreneurs or indigenous businesses a seat at the table when they're making broader policies like Closing the Gap," Ms Russell said. "They deserve to be backed." 13YARN 13 92 76
IOL News
11-06-2025
- Health
- IOL News
New healthcare service launched for taxi drivers in Orange Farm
Ribbon cutting at the Mpathy Clinic opening in Orange Farm Image: Supplied This Men's Health Month, the question of who looks after those who drive the heart of South Africa's transport system has been strikingly addressed. In a collaborative effort, Rhiza Babuyile, a prominent non-profit organisation, has teamed up with the Department of Health, Johannesburg Health District Services, and the Orange Farm United Taxi Association (OFUTA) to launch a much-needed healthcare initiative specifically for taxi drivers. The Mpathy Clinic officially opened its doors at one of Orange Farm's busiest taxi ranks, signalling a valuable addition to the community that prioritises the health needs of one of the most hardworking groups in South Africa. 'Taxi drivers avoid going to a clinic because their working conditions simply don't allow them the time to wait in long queues. With this new service, they'll get treatment fast. Quick in and out, no long lines. It's a quality service, built around their reality,' stated Lerato Seheri, Healthcare Manager at Rhiza Holdings. The convenience of the newly launched clinic is a game changer for taxi drivers, who often work long hours under pressure. According to Seheri, the clinic is tailored specifically to accommodate their busy schedules, with consultation fees ranging between R100 and R300, a substantial saving compared to private healthcare costs. 'This clinic meets them where they are and provides them with care without disrupting their day,' she added. The newly launched Mpathy Clinic in Orange Farm Image: Supplied The initiative aligns with South Africa's national 'Closing the Gap' ART Campaign, which aims to identify and support the 1.1 million individuals living with HIV who know their status but have not yet accessed treatment. Seheri highlighted this as critical, remarking, 'Men are significantly less likely than women to engage with routine health services, often leading to late diagnoses of health conditions that could have been manageable or preventable.' Mmakobo Gaegake, Programme Manager for HIV, AIDS, Sexually Transmitted Infections, and Tuberculosis (HAST), echoed these sentiments, underscoring the significance of providing health services at the taxi rank.
