Plenty of First Nations-owned small businesses have popped up in the art, retail and hospitality spaces over the past decade especially. And with many of them based in Sydney (Warrane), it’s never been easier to shop locally with a strong sense of place and purpose.
Why is it important to support First Nations businesses, you may ask? Not only are these small businesses an integral part of the local economy, creating new job opportunities and helping close the economic inequality gap, but they showcase a great deal of creativity for fashion lovers, home designers, and gourmands alike.
It’s also a great way to better connect yourself to Australia as a destination. Dialling in a “sense of place” has always been a tried-and-true method of ensuring your travels resonate deeper so you leave with stronger, more robust memories. There’s nothing more connected to Australia than some of the oldest cultures in the world, so learning about and engaging with the creative spirit of First Nations communities is essential to making the most of your travels.
To make it easier for visitors to find and support these locals, we’ve put together a round-up of prominent First Nations businesses and social enterprises in Sydney so you can add to your growing shopping list.
1. Blak Markets at The Rocks
The most renowned First Nations social enterprise in Sydney is the Blak Market, which pops up in The Rocks for one weekend every month (dates on the website). Various stalls are spread across the historic district, showcasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stallholders selling their latest products across arts, food and crafts. It’s one of the biggest Indigenous makers markets in the country, typically ranging from native plants and jewellery to silk scarves, foraged foods, and home decor.
Blak Market at The Rocks doesn’t have set dates but upcoming editions are posted well in advance on the social enterprise’s official website.
2. Haus of Dizzy
Wiradjuri woman Kristy Dickinson has been making some of Australia’s best statement-making jewellery for years. Haus of Dizzy has grown into one of the best-known First Nations businesses in the country, celebrating and honouring Indigenous cultures with unique, hand-designed pieces that often feature powerful political and social messages.
Most of Dickinson’s business is spread across Melbourne but you’ll be able to find some of her pieces in Australian Museum, the MCA Store, and the Ngununggula in the Southern Highlands. You can also find Haus of Dizzy online.
3. Indigiearth
What is Australian food? Ask that question and you’ll get a dozen different answers. Recent conversations have moved (far) beyond meat pies and sausage rolls. More restaurants are starting to use native ingredients and celebrating the distinctive flavours of the land; a gift to the local food industry and one that has drawn praise from some of the world’s most imaginative culinary leaders, such as Rene Redzepi.
If you want to learn more about native ingredients and foraged produce, look no further than Indigiearth. Founder and Ngemba Weilwan woman Sharon Winsor is a chef by trade, focusing her knowledge into showcasing Australian native food and beauty products. Various bushfoods, native loose leaf tas, soy candles, beauty products, and essential oils are all available on her website.
And if you pop down to Mudgee (about a three hours from Sydney), you can book into her four-hour Warakirri Dining Experience for deeper cultural immersion and an in situ showcase of these various Indigenous ingredients set against cultural experiences, storytelling and live music.
4. National Indigenous Art Fair
The National Indigenous Art Fair, which celebrated its fifth successful year in 2024, takes over Overseas Passenger Terminal as an ethical marketplace dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from remote community-owned arts centres. Most of the makers comes from all over Australia, including the Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia, making these Sydney markets a great place to find many different products and ideas across a range of products, from jewellery and traditional artworks to clothing and homewares.
In 2023, the NIAF attracted just over 20,000 visitors across two days so it can get rather busy. Especially since the entry fee is only $2.50. But brave the crowds, show up early, and find yourself your next favourite piece as you learn about the abundance of creativity coming from First Nations artists. The event typically spreads across an entire weekend in late June but dates change each year. Check the official NIAF website to plan accordingly.
5. Jarin Street
Located on the ground floor of Westfield Warringah Mall, Jarin Street is your go-to when for colourful, eye-catching athlesiure. Wiradjuri woman Jarin Baigent founded the brand to provide a safe, welcoming environment for Indigenous artists and makers to build a comprehensive label. Whether it’s in-store or online, you’ll find a great range of activewear, yoga mats, towels and fitness accessories with beautiful First Nations designs.
6. Gammin Threads
Gammin Threads, founded by First Nations artist Tahnee Edwards, is another popular label stocked across the country. Bold designs, deep colours and a big focus on iconography all give this streetwear label a sharp set of teeth for anyone who prefers statement-making fashion.
It’s mostly an online business, but if you are looking for Gammin Threads around Sydney, you’ll have luck at David Jones in Sydney CBD, the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence in Redfern, Cement Fondu Gallery in Paddigton, and Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Co-Op in Leichhardt.
A Directory of First Nations businesses
First Nations-owned businesses extend beyond the fashion and design industry. You also have various trades and services coming from small, Indigenous-owned businesses. For a full directory of verified Indigenous businesses head over to Supply Nation. The database is filled with everything from catering to stationery, office supplies, education and training.
