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
Employer
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.
Talent Scarcity: Tips for Job Seekers If you’re in the job market, you’ve likely noticed that finding the right role with the right fit can be challenging. While there are plenty of jobs available, finding one that matches your specific skills and qualifications is a concern for many job seekers. Nearly half (47%) of business leaders echo this sentiment, emphasising the ongoing challenge of acquiring talent with the precise skills they need. David Owens, Managing Director of HR Partners by Randstad, shares some valuable insights. “Seventy-one percent of people are expecting to recruit, alongside a general expectation that the availability of talent is going to remain pretty tight,” he says. Despite this, Owens remains optimistic and offers some advice for
Create a new application for each Job if you want an interview When applying for jobs, a one-size-fits-all approach won’t cut it. Each job application should be uniquely crafted to align with the specific role and the company’s expectations. This strategy not only highlights your suitability for the position but also demonstrates your keen attention to detail and genuine interest in the role. Here’s how to ensure your application stands out: Customise Every Application Every job you apply for deserves its own tailored application. This means rewriting your cover letter and tweaking your resume to match the job ad closely. Employers are looking for candidates who fit their specific criteria, and using the right keywords can make a big difference.
What Job Seekers Need to Know The job market can feel like an uphill battle at the best of times, especially when you’re searching for a workplace that values diversity and inclusion (D&I). For Indigenous job seekers, D&I can impact your career satisfaction and growth and the lack of it is something we all face. Here is a resource for you to use and understand what to look for in potential employers, and how to highlight your uniqueness effectively. When different voices come together, magic happens. What Indigenous Job Seekers Should Look For in Potential Employers Diversity Statements and PoliciesLook for companies that walk the talk. Clear D&I statements and policies are signs of a genuine commitment to creating an
Since 2005 the Closing the gap has campaign has grown in response to professor Tom Calma’s report which challenged governments to bring about health equality within a generation. National Close the Gap Day, is a day where we come together to raise awareness about the inequalities that exist between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the rest of Australia. For far too long, our people have faced systemic barriers to health, education, employment, and housing, which have resulted in poorer health outcomes and lower life expectancy compared to non-Indigenous Australians. National Close the Gap Day serves as a reminder that we must continue to work towards closing these gaps to ensure that our people can lead healthy