Feasibility and Marketing Plan for Indigenous Gallery Cafe

Feasibility and Marketing Plan for Indigenous Gallery and Cafe

Njernda Aboriginal Corporation engaged SGS to prepare a feasibility study and business plan for a commercial indigenous art gallery and bush tucker cafe in the old court house in Echuca (an historical river port town in regional Australia). Dhungala, the Murray River Gallery and Café, is designed to provide an indigenous cultural experience and to add to the tourism attraction of the region. It will be a catalyst for a number of indigenous business enterprises.

The study involved market research, concept development, costing, revenue forecasts, financial modelling, options testing and preparation of a business plan for a preferred concept. An economic impact appraisal was included in the study which was carried out in close consultation with stakeholders.

The study found Dhungala would tap into the human capital and economic strengths Indigenous people have made in art, hospitality and construction, diversify the indigenous economy and encourage commercial businesses. Besides allowing artistic expression, it would transmit culture, and empower and network Indigenous people. The gallery and café will also be significant to the regional and state economy, by showcasing and developing a nascent Victorian Indigenous arts industry. Dhungala will also fill a gap in visual arts facilities in the municipality, strengthen the tourism offering of Echuca, and convert an underutilised but unique building (the historic law courts) for entrepreneurship and tourism purposes.

SGS and 3D also helped Njernda apply and obtain the majority of the required funding from the State Government

The project received a Commendation for Social and Community Planning at the PIA Awards for Planning Excellence (Victoria) in 2007