Welcome to Muru Yulang – Supporting Aboriginal Business in Local Government Procurement

An opportunity to close the gap through strengthened relationships and transformative practices

This project aims to increase the number of Aboriginal businesses providing goods and services to Local Government. This will be achieved through the transformation of a current Aboriginal procurement practices, whilst strengthening the capability, capacity and competitiveness of Aboriginal businesses that operate within the Campbelltown LGA.

Strengthening Aboriginal Business Participation in Local Government Procurement

From the Aboriginal Business Roundtables, a key concern emerged—Aboriginal businesses remain underutilised in local government procurement contracts, with preference often given to non-local businesses.

To address this, the NSW Government has launched a pilot project under the Deliver Better Outcomes program, which aims to increase the number of Aboriginal businesses procuring goods and services to local government.

This initiative will:
Develop a model that improves local government procurement opportunities for Aboriginal businesses.
Develop local Aboriginal business networks that foster connection and collaboration.
Create a promotional campaign that spotlights Aboriginal businesses within the local government area.

Yarpa has been engaged to deliver the Metro based pilot program and after extensive research, have chosen Campbelltown City Council as their project partner.

What is the Deliver Better Outcomes Project?

The Deliver Better Outcomes Program involves supporting proven programs and initiatives that will help Aboriginal people and communities across the state achieve the Closing the Gap Socio-economic targets, and Priority Reforms in NSW.

The NSW Government recognises Aboriginal organisations are best placed to run programs that will impact Aboriginal communities and create sustainable opportunities for Aboriginal people in NSW. Through strong partnerships and collaboration, the NSW Government is committed to investing in programs that directly contribute to Closing the Gap.

This project is an initiative under the NSW Roadmap for Aboriginal Business Growth, delivering on Priority Reform 5 of Closing the Gap 2023-2026: Aboriginal economic prosperity, jobs and businesses. It will drive impact to support a flourishing Aboriginal business sector in NSW.

Why Campbelltown City Council

Local Opportunities:

Campbelltown local government area is situated in the Macarthur Region of South Western Sydney on the traditional lands of the Dharawal peoples. Positioned on the doorstep of the Bradfield City development which includes the Western Sydney International airport, Campbelltown has many major infrastructure projects in the pipeline, lending to immense opportunities for local businesses. Some of these include:

Southwest Sydney Priority Growth Area
Macarthur Priority Growth Area
Glenfield to Macarthur Urban Renewal Precincts
Campbelltown Hospital Stage 2

Local Aboriginal Business Sector:

There are over 7,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples that call the Campbelltown LGA home. That is 3.8% of the local population which is well above the state average of 2.8%. According to Supply Nation data, there are almost 200 First Nations businesses within the LGA and immediate surrounding areas. Furthermore, the LGA is located close to the Yarpa Hub, enabling effective place-based support and ongoing engagement well beyond the life of the project

Commitment and Willingness to change:

Campbelltown City Council have established policies and strategies that highlight their understanding and commitment of procurement as a tool to effect sustainable
socio-economic outcomes for Aboriginal people and businesses within their LGA. Furthermore, Campbelltown were open about the need to revisit these policies and strategies to address existing challenges to Aboriginal procurement and make it easier for Aboriginal businesses to do business with Council.

Our Network’s Purpose

The Local Aboriginal Business Network connects Aboriginal businesses with local procurement opportunities, fostering stronger relationships with councils and the community. It supports business growth, collaboration, and sustainability through networking events, direct engagement, and procurement education, ensuring greater inclusion in local government contracts.

Connecting Aboriginal businesses for better local procurement access.

Fostering local connections and collaboration

Facilitate regular networking events

Facilitate direct engagement with Campbelltown City Council

Educational support to build procurement capabilities

Provide opportunities to connect with other Aboriginal businesses

Project Overview :

Building Opportunities for Aboriginal Businesses

Aboriginal organisations will collaborate with their local governments to:

Enhance procurement opportunities for Aboriginal businesses.
Establish an ongoing business network to support long-term growth.
Develop a promotional program showcasing Aboriginal businesses in the local council area.

Our Aim :

Creating a Sustainable Procurement Model

This program will create a scalable model for local government procurement, designed to increase Aboriginal business participation. The framework will be used across NSW to develop effective, place-based approaches that drive economic growth.

Our Project Values

Value Statement:  
We create pathways for collaboration by fostering trust and nurturing relationships between Aboriginal businesses and local government.

What It Means for the Project:  
Ensuring open dialogue, transparent processes, and an inclusive approach to procurement and business engagement.

What It Means for Stakeholders:  
Provides a structured and trusted avenue for Aboriginal businesses to engage with Council in a meaningful and productive way.

Value Statement:
We don’t just connect businesses—we drive systemic change by shifting procurement practices and supporting Aboriginal businesses to thrive in local economies.

What It Means for the Project:  
Developing initiatives that go beyond networking to address challenges and create sustained economic participation for Aboriginal businesses.

What It Means for Stakeholders:  
Council can build a more inclusive procurement framework, and Aboriginal businesses can access real opportunities with practical support.

Value Statement:  
Cultural integrity guides everything we do as we work towards impactful and lasting change.

What It Means for the Project:  
Ensuring all initiatives align with cultural integrity while maintaining a strong focus on economic outcomes for businesses.

What It Means for Stakeholders:  
Aboriginal businesses and Council work within a culturally safe and respectful environment that leads to meaningful and sustainable economic prosperity.

Value Statement:  
We work with Aboriginal businesses and Council to foster prosperity, ensuring business success.

What It Means for the Project:  
Measuring success through tangible business engagement, contract wins, and long-term economic sustainability.

What It Means for Stakeholders:  
Council implement a reliable framework for procurement inclusion, and Aboriginal businesses have clear pathways to capitalise on opportunities and grow sustainably.

OBJECTIVE

Increase the number of Aboriginal businesses providing goods and services to Campbelltown City Council

WHAT WILL WE DELIVER

The completion of two evaluated place-based pilots, focused on supporting local work force and working with local government.
Improved procurement policies and strategies that support effective Aboriginal procurement processes.
A local Aboriginal business network that fosters connection and collaboration.
A Tender Ready program that builds the capacity, capability and competitiveness of Aboriginal businesses.

Our Desired Outcome

A stronger relationship between Campbelltown City Council and Aboriginal businesses within the LGA.
Greater opportunity for local businesses to win contracts
Increased opportunities for new businesses to gain first opportunities and small businesses to grow sustainably.

PROJECT PARTNERS

DELIVERY PARTNERS

Our Network brings together Aboriginal-owned businesses and professionals working to build stronger connections and create opportunities across our region. Members span industries including construction, services, health, creative, retail, and more.

join us

networking events

8th Muru Yulang Business Networking Event

We’re excited to bring together Aboriginal businesses, local and government stakeholders, the Campbelltown City Council team, business support services, and the Yarpa Team for another valuable networking opportunity. This event is designed to strengthen connections, foster collaboration, share opportunities, and continue building momentum within the Muru Yulang Business Networking community. Whether you’re looking to grow your network, access business support, or connect with industry and community leaders, this is an event not to be missed.

Yarpa Hub, 203–209 Northumberland Street, Liverpool
Wed, 16th Sep 2026
10:00 am – 2:00 pm

CONNECT. EMPOWER. TRANSFORM. GROW

Our Project Artwork

artwork storyline

This artwork titled “Connect, Empower, Transform, Grow” is a visual representation of the Deliver Better Outcomes program, an initiative delivered by Yarpa Hub in partnership with Campbelltown City Council. The program aims to increase First Nations business participation in local government procurement and economic activities. See more

At the top and bottom of the artwork, the community is symbolised by the "U" shapes, representing the people who live across the Campbelltown area.

In the mid-section, both top and bottom, are motifs that symbolise the many different First Nations businesses, each on their own unique journey towards success.

The stars scattered throughout the piece represent the numerous opportunities Campbelltown Council will offer these businesses through this initiative, allowing them to secure work in the local area. The goal is to build lasting relationships between First Nations businesses and the local government.

The blue circles with lines represent the thriving network of Aboriginal entrepreneurs, councils, and communities collaborating together to achieve long-term success.

At the heart of the artwork are four large motifs representing the core values that guide this initiative:

Building Pathways – Creating pathways for collaboration by fostering trust and nurturing relationships between Aboriginal businesses and local government.

Transforming Practices, Driving Real Change – Developing initiatives that go beyond networking to address challenges and create sustained economic participation for Aboriginal businesses.

Respecting Culture, Delivering Impact – Ensuring Aboriginal businesses and Council work within a culturally safe and respectful environment, leading to meaningful and sustainable economic prosperity.

Creating Prosperity through Collaboration – Working alongside Aboriginal businesses and Council to foster prosperity, ensuring business success.

At the centre of the artwork, the journey we are on together is symbolized by lyrebird tracks, representing Dharawal country. Working together, we drive success by connecting worlds. We pave the way for stronger relationships, vibrant economic opportunities, and a united future where Aboriginal businesses can lead and succeed.

Rhonda Sampson

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Rhonda Sampson’s bio

Rhonda Sampson, a Kamilaroi artist and graphic designer, is the owner of RS Creative Solutions based in Campbelltown, Sydney. Her artistic journey began in 2019 with a Diploma in Graphic Design, followed by prestigious awards, including the TAFE NSW Excellence Awards and the South & South Western Sydney NSW Training Awards. Rhonda’s artwork can be seen across her local community, with notable pieces at Campbelltown Sports Stadium and schools such as Sarah Redfern and Ingleburn High Schools. Her most prominent work is at Macarthur Square, Lendlease’s shopping centre, featuring murals, escalators, LED screens, and large rugs. Rhonda has collaborated with high-profile brands like Optus, Western Sydney International Airport, and WestConnex Transurban, and in January 2023, she gained international acclaim for her Sydney Opera House Dawn Reflection Artwork for Australia Day. Her work was also featured in the 2023 Supercars Indigenous Round and various infrastructure projects, like the WestConnex/Transurban Motorway Control Centre. Rhonda has contributed to several Reconciliation Action Plans for organisations such as Optus and National Transport Insurance (NTI). Through her achievements, she serves as an inspiring role model for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and beyond.

WHAT DOES OUR PROJECT STAND FOR

We believe in the power of relationships to drive change. By bringing Aboriginal businesses, Council and communities together, we foster connections that spark opportunity and inspire growth. This Project is about creating a thriving network of Aboriginal businesses, Council and community working together to achieve long term success.

We simplify processes, provide resources and facilitate opportunities so that Aboriginal businesses can thrive, and Council can effectively engage with culturally safe and sustainable procurement practices.

This Project aims to strengthen the local Aboriginal business ecosystem, ensuring it is recognised as integral to the local community’s growth and success.

This is our commitment. This is our purpose.

Join the Local Aboriginal Business Network!

Are you an Aboriginal business owner in the Campbelltown Local Government area? Connect, collaborate, and grow with like-minded businesses in your local community.

Fill out the form, and we’ll be in touch soon with more details on how you can get involved!

Join now and start building connections within your local
Aboriginal business community!