The Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation’s (ILSC) Real Jobs Program (RJP) has marked another milestone in its 18-year journey, hosting its annual Forum on Anangu Country, Northern Territory, with a special focus on Indigenous-led tourism initiatives. The two-day event, held on March 25-26, brought together seven organisations to share their experiences and explore future opportunities in Indigenous tourism.

Since its establishment in 2007, RJP has evolved significantly from its original mission of transitioning Community Development Employment Projects participants into mainstream employment. Today, it actively supports Indigenous-led enterprises across three key sectors: agribusiness, tourism, and land management.

The ILSC currently partners with 12 host employers, providing comprehensive support that covers employee wages and on-costs, specialised training, coordination, and limited operational expenses. This structured approach has proven essential in creating sustainable employment pathways for Indigenous Australians.

“For nearly two decades, the Real Jobs Program has created meaningful employment opportunities for Indigenous Australians across a range of sectors. The strong focus on Indigenous-led tourism at this year’s Forum signals a growing area of opportunity that respects and amplifies Indigenous culture while building economic independence,” said ILSC Group Chief Executive Officer, Joe Morrison.

The Forum’s location on Anangu Country served as a fitting backdrop for discussions about Indigenous tourism initiatives, highlighting the deep connection between cultural heritage and economic opportunity.

Participating organisations shared insights from their journeys, emphasising the importance of Indigenous leadership in developing authentic tourism experiences.

While RJP continues its vital work across agribusiness and land management sectors, the success stories shared at this year’s Forum underscore the growing potential of Indigenous-led tourism as a key driver of economic empowerment and cultural preservation.