Finding the right indigenous talent for Welcome to Country ceremonies and other events is about to get a lot easier thanks to the new Welcommer! App. Launched ahead of NAIDOC Week, Welcommer! connects users directly with local indigenous artists for a culturally appropriate and authentic experience.
The app is the brainchild of indigenous leader and CEO of tech business INTTN, Mr Jade Miller, who described it as a digital way to help close the gap between indigenous and non-indigenous people. “Welcommer! is going to revolutionise the process for finding and booking the right indigenous artist for Welcome to Country ceremonies and other events,” Mr Miller said.
“Up until now, many have relied on word of mouth or personal networks to find talent but this can be difficult for new organisations and start-ups who want to engage with Aboriginal culture.
“Our platform is a win-win for both talented artists looking for more opportunities and for local organisations, government and businesses trying to find the right artist for their event. “Australians want to do more than just tick a box with Aboriginal inclusion in society, they want an authentic and genuine understanding of Aboriginal culture and we are giving them this opportunity.”
Welcommer! is built on over ten years’ research into Welcome to Country events and has undergone beta testing with over 10,000 participants taking place. Founding member of Tee-Up for Kids Ian McDonald was part of the test group and said the app saved them countless hours in researching and interviewing local talent for Welcome to Country
ceremonies.
“Welcommer! is such an amazing app – I am non-Indigenous and had no idea where to start at all and I am a great supporter of seeing more Aboriginal cultural activities in regional areas of Australia,” Mr McDonald said.
One indigenous artist, Jenny Walker of the Yorta Yorta people, said the app will open up new opportunities. “For years I’ve been performing Welcome to Country ceremonies in my local area and Welcommer! will give me access to a wider network than previously possible,” said Ms Walker. “
When borders reopen, I hope to use the platform to connect with others and perform at events overseas.”
Welcommer! gives users the opportunity to book a wide range of indigenous talent including Welcome to Country speakers, Traditional Dancers, Master of Ceremonies, Guides and Tour Guides, Didgeridoo players, bands and more.
Since beta testing began in 2018, more than 1,000 individual accounts have been created with public corporates and individuals posting 1000’s of jobs with Aboriginal Talent and Services responding to successfully deliver.
The company has raised over $500,000 in investments. Welcommer! is available for download on both Apple and Android devices. For more information and to access the online platform visit www.welcommer.com.au.
