Indigenous Business Month is a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Indigenous businesses across Australia. For many Indigenous Business Owners, “Making our Mark” goes beyond profit margins—it’s about empowerment, resilience, and collective impact. Across diverse industries and sectors, Indigenous entrepreneurs are building thriving businesses while providing jobs, mentoring communities, and developing career pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This year’s Indigenous Business Month awards highlighted businesses that are driving change and expanding opportunities for Indigenous Australians in meaningful ways. Riley Callie Resources received the I2I Award, recognised for its commitment to supporting other Indigenous businesses through mentorship and collaboration. By building connections within the Indigenous business community, Riley Callie Resources exemplifies the “Make Our Mark” theme
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Tell us about you and your mob? Nunga! I am Amy, a proud Arabana & Ngarrindjeri woman. I was born and raised in a town called Port Augusta which is home to many Indigenous people across South Australia. Tell us about your career? I commenced my career working for Services Australia. I enjoyed my time working helping mob navigate the government systems and travelling across the country supporting other teams. I currently work in the mining industry and have done for the past 15 years. I have gained extensive experience and knowledge working across various departments and roles in mining including; geology, underground, operations, communications, events coordination and many others. What pathway did you take? Honestly it feels like the
Mr. Kim Collard, a proud Balladong/Wadjuk Elder of the Noongar Nation, and the 2024 Male Elder of the Year NAIDOC Award recipient, is the embodiment of dedication to community, culture, and leadership. His life’s work has touched the hearts and lives of many, both within Indigenous communities and across wider Western Australian society. Through his journey, Kim has remained deeply committed to uplifting his people and creating opportunities for future generations. Kim’s career has been as varied as it is inspiring. From his early days as a boilermaker and Western Australia police officer, to a decade in academia at Curtin University, Kim has worn many hats. But his passion for empowering his community has always been at the forefront of
Asking for a raise can be daunting, and many people make the mistake of framing their request by comparing their salary to others—whether it’s the average market rate or what a colleague is earning. While it might seem logical to base your argument on these comparisons, this approach often backfires. Here’s why this strategy could be holding you back and how you can shift your mindset to get the raise you deserve. Why Comparing Yourself to Others Doesn’t Work When you ask for a raise based on what others are making, you’re essentially putting your boss in a yes/no situation. This limits their response options and can sometimes make them defensive. It may come across as a demand, where the
At the heart of Adelaide, The Circle – First Nations Entrepreneur Hub stands as a beacon of support and innovation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses in South Australia. Established through the Adelaide City Deal, in partnership with the Australian and South Australian Governments, The Circle has become a central hub for empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs by helping them build connections, capacity, capability, and confidence. Since its launch in 2021, The Circle has worked with over 360 Aboriginal business owners, providing personalized guidance, strategic solutions, and access to a wide network of experts and opportunities. The team at The Circle offers one-on-one business development support, working closely with entrepreneurs to shape their business journey with tailored advice and practical solutions.
Tell us about you and your mob?I’m a Bundjalung man, and I grew up on the Gold Coast. We grew up around the salt water. I have brothers and our late mum brought us up. Tell us about your career? I have a different path than most people in the profession, most of my working life I have been in the mining and construction industry. I completed a boilermaking/welding trade, in metal fabrication. I really enjoyed building and construction and being out on site. I went on to start a university degree and was accepted in the Bachelor of Arts course, I really enjoyed that course, but unfortunately I only part completed it. I really enjoyed the writing component of
For many Australians, Professor Tom Calma AO is more than an advocate for Indigenous rights; he is a symbol of hope, strength, and resilience. Growing up as a proud Kungarakan and Iwaidja man in the Northern Territory, Professor Calma’s early experiences shaped his passion for social justice. His life has been driven by a mission to uplift Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, ensuring they have the opportunity to live healthier, more equitable lives. At the heart of Professor Calma’s work is a deep belief in self-determination. His journey from the bush to becoming one of Australia’s most respected voices in human rights, health, and education is one of quiet but powerful leadership. His influence can be felt in the
In today’s current market, many job seekers experience the frustration of submitting countless applications without hearing back. This “ghosting” phenomenon leaves many wondering what they could be doing wrong, especially Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders looking to enter or advance in industries where representation is still growing. The answer often lies in how you showcase your value and stand out from the crowd—before you even apply for a role. As a recruitment job board, we’ve seen the overwhelming number of applications companies receive. Inboxes fill up with hundreds of resumes daily, but only about 2% of those matched the qualifications our clients are seeking. This sheer volume is why many recruiters and hiring managers now take a more proactive approach,
Many people enter the corporate world believing that hard work, hitting targets, and excelling in their role will naturally lead to career advancement. After all, we’ve been conditioned to think that success is a result of dedication and performance. But here’s the hard truth: in most corporate environments, simply doing your job well is not enough to climb the ladder. So, what do successful people in corporate roles do differently? 1. Build Strategic Relationships It’s not just about being great at what you do; it’s about who knows you. Building strong relationships with leadership and decision-makers can be the difference between stagnating in your current role or moving up. Those who excel in corporate environments understand the importance of networking
As spring starts to take hold, and the year winds down, many people start to reflect on their lifestyle and careers, particularly those who may be considering new opportunities or transitioning into different industries. This time of year offers a natural time for self-reflection, and it’s common for individuals to assess whether they are on the right path, or if it’s time to make a change. According to leadership coach Margot Faraci, who has over 20 years of experience working in the finance industry, the spring is an ideal time to ask yourself, “Am I doing what I love?” And “Am I growing and moving forward?” Is it the Right Time to Change Jobs? Job transitions are not just about