Blak Business

CREATING AN EXPERIENCE 

She had a clear purpose — to ensure that First Nations voices are respected, heard and valued throughout the event-planning process.  “In an industry that brings together diverse clients and audiences, it is essential that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives are not just included but prioritised,” she...

Blak Business

YARNING TOOL FOR A BETTER FUTURE

Alice Springs-born Ken Lechleitner says his Lifespan Chart as a yarning tool allows everyone to look at their lives – the triumphs, the trials and the tragedies – in the same way that they look at a game of Aussie Rules in four quarters.  The four-metre canvas chart breaks life down into quarters, so the first quarter is 0-25 years,...

Blak Business

TIWI ENTERPRISES

In what seems like the blink of an eye, Indigenous-owned Tiwi Enterprises has become much more than a business – it is now a cornerstone of the island community.  The not-for-profit company is creating jobs, promoting skills development and, critically, helping support the preservation of a rich and ancient cultural...

Blak Business

LEROY’S CLEAN MISSION 

“I lived life to the full, exploring the bush,” he says.  The tough background hasn’t stopped the Indigenous entrepreneur from building a successful cleaning company based in Alice Springs, the town he now proudly calls home.  Vallaflors Cleaning, which was launched in mid-2023, can meet nearly every cleaning request,...

Blak Business

TEABBA 

The Top End Aboriginal Bush Broadcasting Association is Australia's largest remote Indigenous media organisation.  It is the local Indigenous radio station that broadcasts from the sunny Tiwi Islands to the untouched beaches and stone country of Arnhem land, across Groote, through the rivers of the Roper Gulf and onto the plains of the...

Blak Business

ELEVATING BLAK BUSINESS, CHAMPIONING SUCCESS

SpeakWrite’s mission statement, "Let's Speak, Let's Write, Let's Drive Change”, outlines a commitment to generating opportunities for individuals and communities toward self-determination and prosperity.  Their comprehensive offerings address critical needs for Aboriginal people, with expertise covering event management (local and...

Blak Business

CREATING AN IMPACT 

The company runs a workforce development program to identify skills shortages and prepare, upskill and train Territorians for vacancies across a range of industries.  It offers three comprehensive packages:  Recruitment Essentials – for small businesses needing streamlined, affordable hiring support.  Job Ready Plus –...

Blak Business

THE SALTBUSH STORY

Across the Northern Territory, Saltbush Social Enterprises is redefining what it means to be a multi-service provider.  With a strong reputation for delivering integrated, culturally informed programs across workforce development, wellbeing, training and youth services, Saltbush is now emerging as a trusted delivery partner for businesses...

Blak Business

SAD TIMES INSPIRE JOYFUL BUSINESS

Courtney Summers started Alice Springs-based clothing and wellbeing company Sumtimessad after rupturing a cruciate ligament during a netball game in 2022.  “It was a huge setback for someone who’s always been active and sporty,” she says. “The thought of not being able to play netball for a year was terrifying to...

Blak Business

RUSCA LEADS THE WAY

The Darwin-based earthmoving, construction and environmental company has a strict policy of having 44-48 percent of its 200-strong workforce Indigenous. “No other business touches that,” says Robbie Rusca, who runs the company with his brother Shannon and sister Bianca. The company has 14 apprentices, 12 of them Aboriginal. Some of...

Blak Business

A TRIBUTE TO 55,000 YEARS

Their recorded history is but a fraction of time, but sufficient to provide evidence of the numerous notable Rirratjingu people who have made significant contributions to community, the arts, and the broader Australian society. The Rirratjingu clan has produced a remarkable array of individuals who have excelled in various fields, from music...

Blak Business

RIRRATJINGU 

The Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation (RAC) sits among the most successful Aboriginal corporations in Australia.  Made famous through their leadership in securing recognition of Aboriginal land rights and the famous Bark Petitions, along with their numerous acclaimed musicians and public identities, the Rirratjingu today are forging...