One of Australia's biggest award ceremonies celebrating the achievements of First Nations businesses – Supply Nation's Supplier Diversity Awards - has announced its finalists.
The winners of the awards which recognise Indigenous individuals, organisations and companies, that have helped create a prosperous, vibrant and sustainable Aboriginal business sector will be announced at the Connect 2023 Gala Awards Dinner, on Gadigal Land at the International Convention Centre, Sydney on August 8.
Whadjuk Noongar journalist, presenter and commentator, Narelda Jacobs and Wiradjuri theatre, film and television performer, Luke Carroll, are hosting the event with several First Nations artists performing on the night.
The theme for Connect 23 – Empowering Indigenous Futures – pays tribute to the significant political, social and economic changes that have led to greater outcomes for First Nations people.
There are 11 categories this year including the Indigenous Businesswoman of the Year award, featuring managing director and co-founder of the BlackCard, Mundanara Bayles, Complete Business Solutions managing director Petina Tieman and Rachelle Towart, the managing director of Pipeline Talent.
In the Certified Supplier of the Year award, Perth-based cyber security business Baidam Solutions take one of Australia's largest Aboriginal-owned and operated cleaning businesses Killara Services and nationwide company Muru Office Supplies.
"The Supplier Diversity Awards provide an occasion for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses, as well as member organisations, to be recognised for their achievements and to celebrate their success alongside their team, business partners, family, peers and community," Supply Nation CEO, Michelle Deshong said.
Supply Nation is a non-profit organisation that aims to grow the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business sector through the promotion of supplier diversity, and maintains the leading database of verified Indigenous businesses.
Suppy Nation Supplier Diversity Awards 2023 finalists
Certified Supplier of the Year
Baidam Solutions
Killara Services
Maru Office Supplies
Supply Diversity Advocate of the Year
Rikki Cooper (BGIS)
Sarah Rodwell (JLL)
Matthew Inkster (Fulton Hogan)
Corporate Member of the Year
Buildcorp Group
Laing O'Rourke
Ventia
Indigenous Businesswoman of the Year
Mundanara Bayles (BlackCard)
Petina Tieman (Complete Business Solutions)
Rachelle Towart OAM (Pipeline Telent)
Registered Supplier of the Year
Kany Bidi
TVN On-Country
WV Technologies
Procurement Professional of the Year
Fran Peterson (Shell)
Mina Ibrahim (Laing O'Rourke)
Tanya Martens (Department of Defence)
Government Member of the Year
Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
TAFE NSW
Sam Tjengala Reuben Award recognising Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Kevin Wilson (Nani Creative)
Sarah Hyland (Together Business Australia)
Jarred Oakley Nicholls (Oaks Civil Constructions)
Indigenous Exporter of the Year
Aldridge Railway Signals
Jala Jala Treats
Young Guns Container Crew
Supply Diversity Partnership of the Year
Bunji Hire and CPB Contractors
Kooya Australia Fleet Solutions and Telstra
Yaru Water and Qantas
