Extraordinary measure of Indigenous expo's success

Key points

• Wollongong's Illawarra Indigenous Business Expo has grown to 67 stalls since its 2023 debut. Nearly 600 people attended the fourth expo at Novotel.
• Organiser Maiquilla Brown, who runs the event through her Bimbala Collective business, said many visitors were non-Indigenous allies. Exhibitors included weavers, tradespeople, a plant nursery and a dairy launching in Western Sydney.
• Wollongong's Lord Mayor, Tania Brown, said the council started the expo with 30 businesses and now has over 65.