The Northern Territory continues to stand at the forefront of Australia's defence and strategic infrastructure landscape — and within this vital sector, Indigenous businesses are not just participating, they're leading.
This week on Larrakia country, NT Defence Week 2025 showcased the strength, innovation, and strategic importance of the Territory's defence industry — a standout moment was the recognition of AKJ Services, a 100 per cent Indigenous-owned and managed business, as the winner of the Chief Minister's Award for Excellence in Defence Industry – Indigenous Business at the Australian Industry and Defence Network NT Gala Dinner and Industry Awards 2025 on Tuesday night.
Founded by proud Larrakia woman Jessie Risk, AKJ Services has grown into one of the most respected civil construction providers in the Top End. With a management team boasting over 100 years of combined experience, they have delivered more than $150 million worth of Defence projects across northern Australia. Their work spans some of the country's most complex infrastructure developments — from wet-season-ready earthworks to advanced geofabric stormwater systems — and always with a lens on innovation, sustainability, and Indigenous empowerment.
For Ms Risk, this award is deeply personal. It's not just a celebration of business success — it's a recognition of cultural resilience, community contribution, and the legacy her company is building for the next generation.
"This is more than a project pipeline," she said. "It's about our people, for our people."
That philosophy is evident in every aspect of the company's operations. Over 25 per cent of their employees are Aboriginal, and 50 per cent of their apprentices identify as Indigenous. Women are also being empowered to lead — with 16.3 per cent of the workforce made up of women in construction, engineering, and operations roles.
The team works closely with organisations like the Clontarf Foundation and Stars Foundation, providing mentoring, pathways into trade careers, and hands-on industry exposure through their annual Trade Day — an immersive showcase of civil construction careers aligned with Defence sector needs.
Their commitment to sustainability is equally strong. At RAAF Base Darwin, they recently recycled over 7,000 tonnes of materials as part of a major Defence infrastructure upgrade. They also support veteran-led businesses, reflecting the shared values of discipline, leadership, and national service.
But what truly sets them apart is their ability to integrate cultural intelligence with technical excellence — working in partnership with Defence stakeholders such as the Security & Estate Group, Defence Design Specialists, EMOS and Project Delivery Services to deliver infrastructure that strengthens capability while upholding cultural values.
Winning the 2025 Chief Minister's Award is a significant milestone — but for Jessie and her team, it's also a launching pad for greater impact.
"This recognition will amplify our voice, open new doors, and inspire even more Indigenous Territorians to see themselves reflected in this industry," the company said in a statement.
As the Territory's Defence sector continues to grow, AKJ Services stands as a shining example of what's possible when First Nations leadership, cultural pride, and strategic excellence come together in shaping national defence capability. They are not only building infrastructure — they're building a legacy.
