Galiwin’ku’s new social enterprise retail store shows the local entrepreneurial spirit

The recent launch of a social enterprise retail store in Galiwin’ku has given residents access to locally produced goods and enterprising community members an outlet to sell their wares.

Forty years ago Galiwin’ku, on Elcho Island 550 kilometres northeast of Darwin, was a net exporter. The community sent fruit and vegetables, furniture, crocodile skins, fish and timber to Darwin and other East Arnhem communities for sale. However, over the years, local industry declined, leading to job losses in the community and forcing locals to leave Galiwin’ku to find a job.

Now, members of the Galiwin’ku Community Development Programme (CDP) team are showing the entrepreneurial spirit of their grandparents and are using CDP to relaunch some of these industries.

The launch of the Galiwin’ku Made campaign and the official opening of the Bunba (pronounced “Burn-ba”) social enterprise retail store was a big event for the community. The store stocks locally grown fruit and vegetables and locally made furniture, clothing and jewellery.

Bunba has quickly become a significant part of the community.

“We recently restarted the local market garden and we now have a nursery where we grow tomatoes, pumpkins and carrots, which we can sell cheaply to the community,” said local Margaret Dhamarrandji.

“Locals are happier now they have access to fresh fruit and vegetables, and plants they can grow in their own gardens.”

Margaret says Bunba is also proving a boost to locals looking to make money from their hobbies.

“We sell homemade clothes made by local ladies, including traditional skirts and children’s clothing. They enjoy sewing and screen printing and they like to make things for the community that wouldn’t otherwise be available,” she said.

Bunba’s opening has encouraged the Galiwin’ku CDP crew to make furniture to sell at the store, as several CDP participants have found a natural aptitude for carpentry.

These are all encouraging signs for a remote community, says Margaret.

“A lot of locals want to get a job to look after their family but don’t want to have to move to Darwin to do so. Now we are seeing that locals can make money here in Galiwin’ku and there is a great sense of pride in the community.”