Kinaway Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC), invites First Peoples tourism businesses and cultural leaders to take part in a series of early consultation and cultural governance workshops.

These sessions are being held before the program begins to ensure the Quality First Peoples Tourism Business Program is shaped by First Peoples voices, priorities and cultural authority from the outset—on Country and in community.

Workshops held on Country will be guided by the relevant Traditional Owner organisations and cultural protocols, including who can speak for Country and the appropriate ways to make decisions together.

These workshops also align with the First Peoples Tourism Plan for Victoria 2025–2030 by centring First Peoples-led priorities to Protect culture and Country (including Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property), Promote authentic experiences, Strengthen equitable partnerships across the sector, and Invest in sustainable business growth and careers.

Purpose of the Sessions

These workshops are not training or delivery sessions. They are an opportunity for First Peoples businesses and community voices to:

• Provide cultural guidance and direction for the program

• Inform the design, focus and structure of the funded activities

• Support self‑determination in how First Peoples tourism businesses are supported, including protecting culture, Country and Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP)

• Help ensure the program is culturally grounded, community‑led, and supports stronger connections and equitable partnerships across the tourism sector

Your knowledge, lived experience and perspectives will directly influence program priorities, design and delivery. We will share a short summary after the workshops outlining what we heard, what will change in response, and any matters that are out of scope (and why).

What to Expect

The sessions will be facilitated in a culturally safe, conversation‑based format, focused on listening and shared decision‑making.

Discussions will explore:

• Cultural governance principles, decision‑making and accountability (including how outcomes are reported back)

• How culture, Country and Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) will be respected and protected through the program

• How the program can best support First Peoples tourism businesses at different stages

• Priorities for capability building, cultural competency, industry engagement and investment

• Truth-telling and respectful storytelling in tourismexperiences (including what should and should not be shared with visitors)

• How to ensure partnerships and program settings deliver equitable benefits for First Peoples businesses and communities, and avoid exploitation or misrepresentation of culture

• What culturally appropriate delivery should look like on Country and in community

We will be guided by cultural protocols and ICIP considerations. We will not photograph, record, or attribute comments to individuals or organisations without explicit consent.

There is no expectation to have all the answers—these sessions are about collective thinking, guidance and setting the right foundations together. We will also aim to streamline engagement and avoid duplication, recognising that First Peoples cultural boundaries and connections do not align neatly with government‑defined regions.

Who Is Invited

We welcome participation from:

• First Peoples tourism business owners and operators

• Emerging tourism entrepreneurs

• Cultural knowledge holders and community representatives with an interest in tourism and economic development

Whether you are directly involved in tourism delivery or bring broader cultural and community perspectives, your input is valued.

Locations and Format

Sessions will be held across metropolitan and regional Victoria, in partnership with Traditional Owner organisations, with additional opportunities to participate online.

Logistics and support details (including accessibility needs and any travel support) will be confirmed when you register. Venue details will be shared ahead of time, and we will confirm local cultural protocols with Traditional Owner organisations for each location.

Workshops will be held on the following dates and locations:

1. Tuesday, 26 May- Geelong (Wadawurrung)

2. Wednesday, 27 May - Mornington Peninsula (Bunurong)

3. Wednesday, 3 June - Morwell (Gunaikurnai)

4. Thursday, 4 June - Warrnambool (Eastern Maar)

5. Wednesday, 10 June - Shepperton (Yorta Yorta)

6. Thursday, 11 June - Seymour (Taungurung)

7. Wednesday, 17 June - Bendigo (Dja Dja Wurrung)

8. Thursday, 18 June - Melbourne

An online session will also be coordinated to complement face-to-face delivery.

Why Your Voice Matters

This program represents public investment into First Peoples tourism. Taking the time to listen first is critical to building a thriving, culturally strong and economically sustainable First Peoples tourism ecosystem—supporting businesses to grow, connect, and create career pathways on their own terms.

By participating, you are helping to:

• Strengthen cultural integrity and community control

• Ensure funding is directed in ways that reflect First Peoples priorities

• Shape a program that is respectful, practical and genuinely useful for businesses

Next Steps

Click the link below to register. We encourage you to share this invitation with other First Peoples businesses and community members who may wish to contribute.