Destination NSW was proud to mark International Women’s Day with a panel discussion featuring three powerhouse women: Sharon Winsor, Professor Teela Reid and Jarin Ingram Baigent.
Ms Winsor is a Wailwan woman and founder of native food business Indigiearth; Professor Reid is a Wiradjuri and Wailwan woman and the Associate Dean (Indigenous Services & Strategy) at The University of Sydney Law School; and Ms Baigent is a Wiradjuri woman, CEO of Wyanga Aboriginal Aged Care and founder of activewear brand Jarin Street.
It was a fascinating discussion covering their roles as leaders, connection to culture and how to better support Aboriginal-owned and operated businesses.
Destination NSW works closely with Aboriginal communities across NSW to help share stories, support truth-telling and grow Aboriginal participation in the visitor economy.
Aboriginal tourism offers a profound connection to the world’s oldest continuous culture. By sharing their deep relationships with land, waters and skies, Aboriginal communities bring an unmatched cultural depth to NSW, inviting visitors to engage with living history.
NSW has more Aboriginal-owned businesses involved in tourism and exports than any other state or territory – and we’re committed to building on that leadership by backing both established and emerging operators to develop, promote and sell their experiences.
Recent initiatives include Be Bookable Online, which helps Aboriginal businesses set up an online booking software so travellers can book and pay for their experiences online, either via their website or through an online travel agent.
Destination NSW is also supporting NSW businesses that provide Aboriginal tours or experiences to attend Australian Tourism Exchange 2026 (ATE26), delivered by Tourism Australia.
From 10–14 May 2026, ATE26 will bring together Australian visitor economy businesses and global distribution partners to conduct scheduled business appointments and participate in networking events over four days.
