Indigenous business excellence was celebrated on Wednesday at Supply Nation's annual Supplier Diversity Awards.
The Awards recognise businesses, government agencies, not-for-profit organisations and individuals who are making a significant contribution to supplier diversity and helping build a vibrant Indigenous economy.
The prestigious Dr Dean Jarrett Award recognising Outstanding Impact was presented to Morrgul, a Broome-based not-for-profit organisation dedicated to creating lasting economic empowerment through business development and procurement opportunities.
Fully Aboriginal-owned and operated, Morrgul supports Indigenous businesses across regional and remote Western Australia at every stage of growth.
Its tailored services include mentoring, business establishment, capability building, compliance support, and helping businesses secure government and industry contracts.
Supply Nation said between September 2024 and August 2025, Morrgul supported 328 Indigenous businesses.
Through one of its project funding streams alone, the organisation helped Aboriginal businesses secure more than $39.3 million in contracts, according to Supply Nation, creating an estimated 118 jobs for Aboriginal people.
Supply Nation CEO, Kate Russell, said the Supplier Diversity Awards honour organisations and individuals making a positive difference to prosperity and their communities, "and that is something worth celebrating".
"Indigenous businesses remain resilient, optimistic, and committed to their values, and this is driving growth and success," Ms Russell said.
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The Indigenous Businesswoman of the Year 2026 was award to Jasmine Kadic, Founder and Managing Director of Benang, a multi-disciplinary infrastructure and mechanical services company.
Corporate Member of the Year 2026 was awarded to Sodexo, a food service, hospitality and facilities management business with a focus on servicing the energy and resources sectors.
Government Member of the Year 2026 was awarded to Main Roads Western Australia and the Transport Portfolio Aboriginal Engagement branch.
Ms Russell said procurement of quality products and services from Indigenous businesses remains a foundation stone of business growth.
It's about knowledge sharing, building relationships and trust through personal connections and taking time to reflect on the achievements that are supporting economic empowerment, greater self-determination and improvements in the livelihoods of Indigenous peoples right across Australia," she said.
The winners were announced at the Connect Gala Awards Dinner at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre on Wednesday.
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This year's Connect theme, Journey, celebrated progress, growth and resilience. Supply Nation said the theme acknowledged the enduring traditions of trade and entrepreneurship which have sustained Indigenous economies for generations while recognising the legacy being built for future generations.
Supply Nation's Connect is Australia's largest and longest-running Indigenous business event and was held in Boorloo /Perth for the first time in its current format.
More than 230 verified Indigenous businesses exhibited at the Indigenous Business Tradeshow, representing sectors including consumer products, digital services, construction, project management, geospatial mapping and environmental services.
Supply Nation said 2,000 attendees visited the Tradeshow to connect with suppliers and explore procurement opportunities.
"We have received wonderful support for Connect 2026 and our Supplier Diversity Awards from businesses and partners in Western Australia." Ms Russell said
"It's been exciting to see the passion on show in Boorloo. Congratulations to this year's winners and all finalists."
2026 Supplier Diversity Awards winners
- Certified Supplier of the Year - Gunggandji Aerospace
- Supplier Diversity Advocate of the Year - Mark Kucks - Hutchinson Builders
- Corporate Member of the Year - Sodexo Australia
- Indigenous Businesswoman of the Year - Jasmine Kadic - Benang
- Registered Supplier of the Year - Morrgul
- Procurement Professional of the Year - Sharleen Airs - BHP
- Government Member of the Year - Main Roads Western Australia and the Transport Portfolio Aboriginal Engagement branchSam Tjengala Reuben Award recognising Young Entrepreneur of the Year - Samuel Coote - SIERA Logistics
- Indigenous Exporter of the Year - Kakadu Organics
- Supplier Diversity Partnership of the Year - Kardan Construction and Department of Housing and Works
- Dr Dean Jarrett Award recognising Outstanding Impact - Morrgul
