Bek Lasky is a proud Wakaya woman who was born and raised on the lands of the Wadawurrung people down in Geelong. Bek is currently the CEO of Ngarrimili, a non for profit organisation nurturing Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander business and entrepreneurship. Bek is also the co-founder of a small business called Soul Sister Co..
Bek is extremely passionate about using her voice and platform to raise awareness on topics of importance to her, including; mental health, First Nations economic development, youth entrepreneurship and empowering others to achieve their goals and dreams.
Geelong’s inner city has welcomed Murran, a groundbreaking innovation space tailored for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses, creatives, and individuals.
Opening its doors last year in mid-December, Murran stands as a cultural beacon, providing a platform for community engagement and economic empowerment.
Nestled on the Ground Floor near Pink Malop Street Carpark, Murran is more than just a physical space; it’s a vibrant hub fostering creativity and entrepreneurship. Comprising an art gallery selling and showcasing art of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander artists and creatives, retail store selling Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander owned products, cafe, co-working space with hot desking opportunities, and events area, Murran is set to redefine the landscape for Indigenous business and culture.
Ngarrimili, a leader in fostering self-determined, sustainable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander economic success, is proud to announce the grand opening of Murran.
Murran is a dynamic hub for First Nations business, retail, and arts, on Wadawurrung Country in the heart of the Geelong CBD, marking a significant milestone in empowering the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
Designed in collaboration with the First Nations community advisory group, architect Tim Birnie from Dawn Architecture, and design consultant Chris Connell, Murran is a testament to the collective vision and commitment to creating a space that honours and celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
The hub draws inspiration from a legacy of over 80,000 years of economic development, acknowledging the historical success derived from trading, agricultural practices, ceremonies, and various other contributions to prosperity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples across the country.
Key Features of Murran:
• Retail Store and Gallery: Murran features a vibrant retail store showcasing authentic Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander products alongside a dynamic gallery space, providing a platform for Indigenous artists to showcase their work.
The retail store will bring the opportunity for tourists visiting the Geelong region to purchase products. There is a strong demand from tourists visiting Geelong via Cruise Ships, Spirit of Tasmania and Avalon Airport, who want to purchase authentic products.
• Co-Working Space: The hub includes a state-of-the-art co-working space, fostering collaboration, creativity, and innovation among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander entrepreneurs and professionals.
• Meeting and Conference Rooms: Murran offers dedicated meeting and conference rooms, providing a professional environment for business activities, workshops, and community gatherings.
• Education and Training Opportunities: Committed to empowerment through knowledge, Murran will host educational programs and training sessions, contributing to the skill development and capacity building of the local Indigenous community.
• Business Start-Up Support and Development: Murran aims to be a launchpad for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses, providing essential support, mentorship, and resources for entrepreneurs to thrive.
Murran is a unique hub with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and excellence at the forefront. It presents an opportunity for the non-Indigenous community to visit, learn and purchase from, injecting money directly back into the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander economy.
By facilitating economic development opportunities, employment, and training, Murran seeks to enhance the economic participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People while authentically sharing and celebrating their culture with the Greater Geelong community.
TOURISM PROMOTIONAL PLAN
Ngarrimili are working closely with: Visit Victoria, Tourism Greater Geelong & The Bellarine, Visitor Information Services, Business Events Geelong, Industry development teams. Separately Ngarrimili have provided promotional material to Australian Cruise Association, and cruise group operators Bob Wood Cruise Group, Australian Pacific Touring, Intercruises, Abercrombie and Kent to reach the broad spectrum of visitors coming to the Geelong CBD.
“Murran brings to life the vision of Ngarrimili in a tangible and physical capacity. It will enable Ngarrimili to facilitate economic development opportunities, employment, and training. We are incredibly proud of playing a part of enhancing the economic participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and authentically sharing and celebrating their culture with the Greater Geelong community” NGARRIMILI CEO, Bek Lasky
About Ngarrimili: Ngarrimili is a pioneering organization committed to driving self-determined, sustainable economic success for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. With a focus on cultural respect and empowerment, Ngarrimili engages in initiatives that foster economic development, entrepreneurship, and community well-being.