The achievements and economic contribution of Indigenous people and businesses have been recognised at Advance Rockhampton's Indigenous Business Month dinner, hosted on Darumbal Country in partnership with Queensland Indigenous Business Network (QIBN).
The industry event is the first of its kind to be hosted by Rockhampton Regional Council's economic development arm and saw 130 Indigenous and non-Indigenous people come together for a night of networking, recognition and celebration.
Formal recognition was given to the following businesses, organisations and individuals for their economic contribution to Darumbal, Gaangalu and Barada Kabalbara Yetimarala Nations which make up the Rockhampton Region:
- Darumbal Contribution to Country Recognition - Rob's Mowing Service, Reef Cast, Tunuba
- Community Impact Recognition – Tunuba, Bidgerdii Community Health Services, Ghungalu Investments
- Resilience Recognition - Trusted Cuts, Wade Mann Security and Wade Mann Cultural Awareness
- Community Leadership Recognition – Tunuba, Susie G Line Dancing, Darumbal Enterprises Pty Ltd
- Indigenous Innovative Enterprise Recognition – Tunuba, Trusted Cuts, Rjgweld, On Country Business Pty Ltd
- Sustainable Future Leader Recognition - Tunuba
- Rising Star Recognition – Tunuba, Wakai Waian Healing, Trusted Cuts
- Storyteller Recognition - Gaba Art Brandon Butler
Mayor Tony Williams said the event was a valuable opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of Indigenous businesses.
"Our Indigenous Business Month event was an important opportunity to recognise the great work local businesses and organisations are doing in the region to support our traditional owners," Mayor Williams said.
"Indigenous businesses in Rockhampton offer their services across the country, spanning industries from aviation to construction, and mining to environmental services.
"Not only is this important to build capability and capacity in our business community but also to expand opportunities for traditional owners and Indigenous businesses competing for content and services."
"QIBN is delighted to partner with Advance Rockhampton to celebrate the achievements of Indigenous businesses during Indigenous Business Month," said QIBN Co-Chair Julie-ann Lambourne.
"While newly established, QIBN will support the growth of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses across Queensland. Council is a key partner to assist this growth on the ground."
"The QIBN team was in Rockhampton last month as part of our state-wide consultations with Indigenous businesses. We are keen to engage with local Indigenous businesses to ensure we support their needs," said QIBN CEO Donisha Duff.
Advance Rockhampton Economic Development Manager, Wade Clark, said Advance Rockhampton is proud to help coordinate this inaugural Indigenous Business Month Dinner in partnership with QIBN.
"This is another step in the business development journey that is part of Advance Rockhampton's commitment to indigenous businesses," Mr Clark said.
"Advance Rockhampton is currently undertaking a host of additional initiatives to support indigenous business development – such as one to one business mentoring, hosting workshops and advocating for indigenous business content in major projects.
The Indigenous Business Month Celebration was hosted by Desanya Stanley - a consultant, mentor and facilitator who has worked alongside Government departments and businesses.
QIBN Director Leann Wilson, Doctor Samarra Toby, Tyrone Kemp and Matthew Cooke shared their business knowledge during a panel discussion, while music was provided by David Dow.
