Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
A showcase from J.Rigby Indigenous Designs. Photo supplied
From photography and Indigenous artwork to garage doors and vital home improvements, the First Nations Business Expo will bring together a diverse mix of local businesses and services for the Mackay region to discover.
Ochre Lens by Venita
Among the returning exhibitors is Ochre Lens by Venita, owned by Mackay photographer Venita Mooney, who has turned a longstanding passion for photography into a trusted business over the past 18 months.
Venita specialises in family portraits, couples, Year 12 formal and event photography, with a particular focus on First Nations cultural and arts events. She also aims to provide a welcoming, culturally safe space for First Nations families, helping them feel comfortable and represented when capturing special family moments. She also creates digital art and paintings, offering visitors an insight into her creative work. Having attended last year's expo as both a photographer and stallholder, she is looking forward to reconnecting with other business owners and introducing more people to her services.
Statewide Sales & Service
Statewide Sales & Service will showcase a range of residential and commercial garage doors, roller doors, panel doors, sectional doors and window shutters. Owned and operated by Adam Doull, the regional business is a Platinum Dealer for B&D garage doors and services areas from Bowen to St Lawrence and west to Emerald. Its mobile B&D To You showroom van brings product samples, colour options, measurements and quotes directly to customers without the inconvenience of visiting a traditional showroom.
With wet and cyclone season approaching, Adam is urging residents to check their garage doors, motors and remotes, and consider whether their doors are cyclone-rated. Visitors can also learn about B&D's new Secure Roll Door, which automatically locks when closed.
J.Rigby Indigenous Designs
Another favourable business returning is J.Rigby Indigenous Designs, owned by Mackay and Middlemount based artist Jessica Rigby. Established in 2002, Jessica's business features unique, traditional Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander artwork across a variety of mediums, including emu eggs, boomerangs and handcrafted jewellery incorporating feathers. With artwork sold internationally and local commissions completed throughout the community, visitors will have the opportunity to discover her handmade creations and artistic style.
Jessica previously participated as the expo's artist in residence, delivering a live art demonstration. She said this year’s expo will be “a wonderful opportunity for other Indigenous businesses to connect and get to know each other more and what other businesses do.”
Event Details
Free and open to everyone, this year’s expo offers an opportunity to discover local services, support First Nations businesses, celebrate regional talent and build connections across the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regions.
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