The Indigenous business sector has created opportunity and change in many communities across the country and is a testament to the resilience, strength, advocacy, and determination of First Nations people.
Now it its eighth year, Indigenous Business Month celebrates under the banner of this years theme, ACTIONS TODAY, IMPACT TOMORROW, inspiring the next generation of First Nations business leaders.
Co-founders of Indigenous Business Month said:
“We were delighted by the record number of applicants. Each year we see so much growth and involvement in Indigenous Business Month. What’s excellent this year is that we were able to resume the in-person awards ceremony to celebrate these inspiring business leaders” – Dr Michelle Evans, Cofounder, MURRA Program Director and Associate Professor of Leadership at The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Business School.
“This years winners are a shining light on the ingenuity, regional Impact, collaboration and digitally inventive strengths of Indigenous business in our communities. Their impact is to be recognised, championed and best of all shared to inspire others” – Leesa Watego, Co-founder and Managing Director of Iscariot Media.
“This years award recipients are using the knowledge, responsibility, resourcefulness and momentum of our people before, to guide their business approach today. They are true inspirations for generations ahead and I share Indigenous Business Month’s congratulations to winners, as well as all other applicants and Indigenous Businesses across the country taking action with an eye to its impact” – Mayrah Sonter, Co-founder and Director of 33 Creative.
Indigenous Business Month Is Proud To Announce This Year’s Winners:
Regional Indigenous Business Award Winner 2022, SOUTH COAST SEAWEED
Focusing on the revitalisation of traditional knowledge and practices to create modern and sustainable resources using seaweed. “Our 10-year mission is to develop a commercial seaweed processing and research facility. Facilitating the creation of land-based seaweed hatcheries for first nations led seaweed aquaculture farms that empower our community and create sustainable resource practices for future generations,” said James Thomas, CEO of South Coast Seaweed.
I2I Award Winner 2022, BRIDGEMAN
A highly experienced team with leading-edge capability in the areas of advanced metal manufacturing and construction. “Bridgeman is proud to continuously work with Traditional Owners on a range of community matters, adhering to cultural protocols and seeking advice from Traditional Owners within specific regions”, said Adam Sarota Managing Director of Bridgeman.
Indigenous Digital Inventiveness Award Winner 2022, SARRA CREATIVE PTY LTD
A dynamic and impactful brand online, harnessing creative talent and strong values to bring culture to mainstream industries. “Throughout my work and personal brand and collaborations, I’ve been able to donate over 200k back to communities. With a rising online platform, we’ve led conversations and raised awareness on issues facing our communities on a global scale,” said Rachel Sarra CEO of Sarra Creative.
Indigenous Ingenuity Award Winner 2022, ABORIGINAL CARBON FOUNDATION
Aboriginal Carbon Foundation is the world’s first Indigenous trading platform of environmental and allied commodities. “Innovation and trade have been a part of our culture for a long time, we are just using modern techniques and tools to help look after country and support Traditional Owners,” said Rowan Foley, CEO of the Aboriginal Carbon Foundation.
PwC MURRA Boost initiative winner 2022, HEALTHY DREAMING
Healthy Dreaming is a social, health and community care service, providing culturally safe care and support for community and NDIS participants. “We are honoured to receive recognition and we thank PwC Murra Boost award, this is a reward for all our efforts and commitment, this is for our community. We are grateful and also proud as this award gives us the opportunity to grow Healthy Dreaming and enhance our ways of working to fit our community needs,” said Jacinta McKenzie Managing Director Healthy Dreaming.
“PwC Australia is proud to continue our support for Indigenous Business Month through the MURRA Boost Initiative. We have been privileged to work with many great Indigenous businesses over what has now been 7 years of this award” said Rosalie Wilkie – Partner, PwC Australia.
The winner of the PwC MURRA Boost Initiative is fortunate to receive $30,000 In skills and expertise support from PwC Australia and Melbourne Business School to support improved business practices and capacity for future growth.
“The quality of the applicants this year continues to be extremely high – and this demonstrates the growth in Indigenous businesses,” said Rosalie Wilkie – Partner, PwC Australia.
“This year’s winner, Healthy Dreaming, has established an important presence in Port Augusta delivering health care services and support to the community. PwC Australia is looking forward to supporting Healthy Dreaming in the next stage of their growth journey,” said Rosalie Wilkie – Partner, PwC Australia.
The team at Indigenous Business Month thanks PwC Australia for this partnership, as well as Coles who this year generously sponsored the awards ceremony.
Indigenous Business Month runs from October 1 to October 31, supported by 33 Creative, MURRA Indigenous Business Master Class Program, Iscariot Media, and PwC Australia.
For more information on Indigenous Business Month visit: indigenousbusinessmonth.com.au or connect on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
#IndigBizMonth @IndigenousBusinessMonth
FULL LIST OF 2022 IBM WINNERS
Regional Indigenous Business Award Winner
Celebrating Indigenous regional businesses: their vision, their business savvy, and their local contributions.
SOUTH COAST SEAWEED
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I2I Award Winner
Celebrating the commitment by Indigenous businesses to strengthen and grow our sector
through trading and working together.
BRIDGEMAN
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Indigenous Digital Inventiveness Award Winner
Celebrating the intersection between cultural creativity, business nous, and technology.
SARRA CREATIVE PTY LTD
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Indigenous Ingenuity Award Winner
Celebrating an Indigenous business who is working hard to solve challenges in partnerships with Indigenous communities.
ABORIGINAL CARBON FOUNDATION
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PWC MURRA Boost Initiative
PwC Australia and the Melbourne Business School sponsored award, providing skills and expertise,
from PwC valued at $30,000 to an Indigenous Business to help strengthen business practices
and build capacity for future growth.
HEALTHY DREAMING
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MEDIA CONTACT
Haidee Allan
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